selecting old machines for firewall/router use
Greetings:
I'd like to set up a network with a firewall for my home computers for
security, control and convenience (file sharing), as well as to learn
about networking. We have the Internet entering via a Motorola DSL modem
and it currently passes data through a NetGear wireless router. I'd like
to construct my own firewall/router to connect our three active machines
and also use the NetGear for wireless access when needed.
Sitting on my bench right now and available for use as a firewall/router
is a Dell Optiplex GX1 with the following specs:
300 Mhz processor
boot manager on 3.5-inch diskette so it can boot from diskette, CD or
hard drive
ethernet jack on motherboard
5 pci slots
4 isa slots
(I have a pci nic and 2 isa nics on hand, plus there's that built-in
jack on the board)
I'm leaning toward using the above machine since it has both pci and isa
slots for nics (and an ethernet jack on the motherboard) so I won't have
to buy a switch right away. I'll be able to connect the firewall/router
box direct to the networked machines. (Will I need crossover cables?)
However, it's the slowest of the bunch and I suspect that those isa nics
might be very slow and problematic. Would I be best off just buying a
network switch or replacing the isa nics with pci nics? Would one of my
faster old machines be a more practical choice here? I have the
following available:
Dell Dimension 333
333 Mhz processor
3 pci slots
2 isa slots
This boots from a CD without and manipulations, unlike the machine
above. I'd need to purchase another pci nic to equal the four that I
have available in the Optiplex.
e-machines
1.7 Ghz processor
ethernet jack on motherboard
3 pci slots
It seems like this one would have the greatest energy costs. I'd need to
buy more pci nics, too.
(Qty:2) Micron
800 Mhz processor
3 pci slots
There are not enough slots, so I'd need a network switch, too.
Premier
500 Mhz processor
3 pci slots
There are not enough slots, so I'd need a network switch, too.
Which would be most suitable as a firewall/router? I'm thinking that any
will work, but the e-machines box will be the most expensive to operate.
And most of the above machines will require me to get more nics or
purchase a switch. Any other things that I should consider?
Your advice and opinions are welcome.
Elmer
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