---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Heddle Weaver <weaver2world@gmail.com>
Date: 21 February 2011 13:41
Subject: Re: selecting old machines for firewall/router use
To: Greg Madden <
gomadtroll@gci.net>
On 21 February 2011 12:26, Greg Madden
<gomadtroll@gci.net> wrote:
On Sunday 20 February 2011 03:03:35 pm Nate Bargmann wrote:
> * On 2011 20 Feb 14:22 -0600, Elmer E. Dow wrote:
> > 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.
>
> Reusing old hardware is fine. Be sure that you're not going to spend as
> much or more getting the hardware into an old computer as you might with
> a router capable of running OpenWRT or similar. Last year I bought an
> Asus WL-500 GP from New Egg for about $60. Granted, one must read specs
> carefully if more memory/hardware capability is required. Not to be
> overlooked are the space and energy requirements of an old desktop
> versus a modern router capable of running an embedded Linux
> distribution.
>
+1
ditch the old computer , todays routers with dd-wrt or openwrt are more reliable
and cheaper to run. Buffalo routers come with dd-wrt pre-installed.
Come with a few things installed.
I remember a few years back, a furore over factory installed trojans on Belkin routers.
Belkin apologised and all the noise went away, but I haven't forgotten in the current atmosphere of net/privacy invasion.
Why I'm thinking off doing the same thing.
Entry box with firewall/router and port forwarding to another old stackable desktop for email.
Upside?
Networking knowledge!
Enough for a small business, and the basis to look at larger projects.
Regards,
Weaver.
--
Religion is regarded by the common people as true,
by the wise as false,
and by the rulers as useful.
— Lucius Annæus Seneca.
Terrorism, the new religion.