Archive for March, 2007

How to Build an Enterprise-Class Router/Firewall for under $200 (part II)

Part I of this article here 

This is the last part of my article on how to make a linux router/firewall, and it will focus on software installation and configuration as well as possible ways to expand this appliance, such as turning it into a file server, email server, spam filter, AV filter, wireless access point, etc. 

This box is going to be Ubuntu powered – although you can install any distro you'd like -  I recommend using Dapper Drake, 6.06, because of LTS (long term support)  – it will be supported for 5 years. Go ahead and download the Ubuntu ISO of your choice here. Burn the ISO and install Ubuntu server ed (I'm not going to go into details of installing the OS, there are plenty of guides out there). We are going to be using Webman, Shorewall Firewall and the DHCP daemon. (more…)

How to Build an Enterprise-Class Router/Firewall for under $200 (part I)

First of all, most of us -geeks- can make a Linux Router/Firewall for free, using old computers sitting around. But this article focuses on how to build one (complete with parts list) using new parts – keeping quality and expandability in mind. It also discusses (in part II) how to extend the capabilities of this device, to make it a web server, mysql server, file server, email server, spam server, wireless access point, VPN…etc. I am not going into the details of exactly how to build a PC, there are plenty of tutorials out there (here, here and here).

As usual, all the parts I'm going to use have links to Mwave, my favorite supplier (on a separate note, Mwave is my fav because they are local for me; I can go pick up parts directly, but you can probably find better prices thru NewEgg or your own favorite supplier). I'm going to use a CF card (with an IDE converter) for main storage instead of a regular hard drive. It will take a bit longer to boot up, but you'll have no moving parts (except for the PSU fans). Less wear and tear and less noise.

(more…)