[NTLUG:Discuss] Bare metal hardware

[crem101]

How many ports for the switch do you need and double it for growth. A
firewall/router needs two ports. For firewall/router any PC running Linux
will do. Add a second NIC for $5. Plug any switch into the NIC for inside
the house. Use iptables for the firewall facing the internet. Make a minimum
of two route statements and you have a firewall/router with a replaceable
switch. A switch with one native vlan is cheap. Later you may want a switch
with several vlans to segment networks in the house (upgrade time). From
there you run router-on-a-stick with Linux and several vlans. A few years
later you may want a switch with PoE without affecting firewall/router which
costs extra $$. Seperating the switch (Layer 2) from firewall/router often
is cheaper, scalable, and future proof. 

CRem

Amateurs hack systems - Professionals hack people
Patch the systems - Educate the people.

  

-----Original Message-----
From: Discuss [mailto:discuss-bounces at ntlug.org] On Behalf Of Leroy Tennison
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 23:36
To: NTLUG Discussion List
Subject: [NTLUG:Discuss] Bare metal hardware

Looking for suggestions for a reasonably-priced bare metal platform to run
Linux as a firewall/switch.  Sixteen ports is the rough target.  I am aware
of the Axiomtek 10-port unit but, at roughly $1000, that seems expensive.
Also aware of the soekris 4-port but again, at $300, it seems expensive.
Dell has a 24-port for $1000 list/750 street and a 48-port for $600 which is
very reasonable (if the quality is there - just don't know).  I see other
vendors (nexcom, lanner, Penguin
Computing) but finding prices is almost impossible.  Any other options?

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