Tue 3 Jul 2007
Build your own router! IPCop vs. Endian Firewall
Posted by Nathan Parks under PC Firewall[4] Comments
I’ve been building my own routers for a while now. Previously I’ve mainly used IPCop but recently I heard about Endian Firewall and really liked all the extra features it was boasting. So I tried it out, really liked it and started marketing it rather than IPCop to customers. I’ve built a couple of these now and they really run great. They’ve completely killed spam on the networks, stop all the secretaries and their various chat programs, have vpn capabilities, Sip quality of service, etc. Pretty much the ultimate small business/home router. The best part is they are super easy to manage. The install is nearly identical to that of IPCop, the menu has improved over IPCop, the only downside is the need for a beefier machine. From what I’ve seen you need at least a 500mhz, 256 mb memory, and a 10 gb harddrive. The one’s I’ve built are 1 Ghz, 256mb memory, and 40 gb harddrives (only because it was the smallest/cheapest I could find to use). I think the processor is plently but it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a little more memory in the future. Most of you are probably thinking thats hardly any machine at all but I’ve had IPCop running great on 100 mhz system with 64 mb of memory so in relation it is quite a difference. The mini-itx form factor is everwhere now and this Phylon 7F2WE-1G (aka jetway J7F2WE-1G)is a perfect match for a small router pc with it’s capability to handle up to 4 nics.
Endian Firewall does an excellent job and if that spare machine you have laying around can handle it, give it a try, I think you’ll be pleasently surprised at just how much better it will do that your linksys wrt54g, just convert it into an access point instead.
July 31st, 2007 at 12:05 am
Well, I understand most of your post, and even though I don’t understand why you like that stuff so much, I am glad you can use it to make money for us!!! I love you!
July 31st, 2007 at 12:13 am
because routers are awesome!! You don’t know it but you just used ~20 routers just to make that post.
June 27th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Hi,
I’ve been a fan of Endian Firewall for a while now. Even run it at work for our +/- 300 users on a HP Proliant server…. it runs great.
What kind of chassis are you using? I’ve been looking all over the place for a chassis like yours.
Richard
June 28th, 2009 at 1:27 am
I got those pieces from logicsupply.com. I’ve ordered from them a few times and have always been pleased. Looks like they still have those morex cases. I had a fan go out in one and had to special order a fan from them. It’s a tiny turbine styled fan.
The only downside to that particular case is getting into it is a pain and upgrading to the latest endian requires hooking up a dvd-rom since the motherboard doesn’t support usb booting.