Best hardware for pfSense router

[Jay]

I have recently started using a VM of pfSense in work for captive portal but I have found that its probably one of the best firewalls I have ever used!

At home I have 2 net connections one for backup and one for everyday use the issue is that to go between the both I need to switch default gateways etc and so DHCP is useless! pfSense will load ballance and act as a DHCP (among other things!)

I came across this board

http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11819

It looks perfect for what I want to do but has anyone else used this board or have any other ideas?

ps it needs to be quiet, have 3 NICS (or the ability to add 3 NICs) and have a low power consumption

[smargh]

Yes, I run m0n0wall on an Alix 2C3 and it works very well. I used to use pfSense on the older version of the board (WRAP 1E) which was also fine. I only use m0n0wall instead of pfSense because m0n0 can do firewalling *and* traffic shaping at the same time.

Just get the 2C3, they work great. I measured it with an Aldi kill-a-watt style thing and it uses 4 to 5 watts at all times, even under full 24Mbit load. CPU usage never really goes above 3% unless you're using the web GUI.

Just be aware that in the embedded version of pfSense you can't use packages. You can use the captive portal stuff though.

[Jay]

what kind of case did you use for this?

[smargh]

The only enclosure you need:
http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=12074

Note that you would need to DIY a hole for a wifi antenna connector if you need one.

[Jay]

does anyone know if these are a decent shop or not?

[smargh]

Yes, they are an excellent store. I've ordered several things from them over the past few years, and they've always been delivered next-day in nice little branded boxes via Special Delivery.

[watercooled]

How hard is it to set up an ALIX system over serial / HyperTerminal/Minicom? Would you recommend this guide? http://rockpenguin.wordpress.com/200...n-the-alix2c1/
Thanks

[peterb]

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Produ...?ProductID=632

Or if you want fanless

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Produ...?ProductID=631

(I'm using one of those in an M300 case (which does have a fan - controlled from the mobo) as a web, mail and file server. Does all that very well - but a bit sluggish folding - but I think it would be more than enough for your application.

[watercooled]

I'm planning to build an ALIX/pfSense firewall and could use some advice before I buy anything. I already have a 1GB CF card I can use so that's one less thing to buy.
I'm looking towards an ALIX 2D1 board which has 3 NICs, 128MB RAM and a 433MHz AMD Geode CPU as well as an aluminium enclosure and power adapter. Am I missing anything?
Does pfSense run OK on 128MB RAM or would a 256MB variant be better or would m0n0wall be better? Also, I noticed that most of the boards come without an RTC battery - does this matter ie are pfSense settings saved to RAM or to the CF card? I ask this because I wouldn't want to configure it every time it was power cycled and could I set the clock to sync automatically with a web server for the same reason?
And do you have any other tips you could share?
Thanks!!!

Edit: I found this guide, how would you rate it? http://rockpenguin.wordpress.com/200...n-the-alix2c1/