[kwlug-disc] IPCop (and friends) vs hardware router

[unsolicited]

Paul Nijjar wrote, On 06/18/2009 5:28 AM:
> On Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 11:43:45PM -0400, Kiwi Ssennyonjo wrote:
>> The choice is simple and clear in my opinion. Pfsense is your appliance
>> It will do everything on your list and more.
>>
> 
> Holy cow. Why didn't I download this 10 minutes after your KWLUG
> presentation? 
> 
> No doubt I'm going to run into roadblocks. But at this point it looks
> like I am kicking IPCop to the curb. (Sorry, Linux.) 
> 
> I am still curious to know how a hardware router with open firmware
> would measure up. It would be nice to replace a big desktop computer
> with a cute router box. But I have a feeling that Bill's comments
> sbout processing limits will come into play even for our relatively
> small network.

In your copious spare time, there's no harm firing one or more of 
these up. And certainly no harm in trying one first - the beastie will 
fall over in some fashion (lock up, constant reboots, no throughput) 
if its overwhelmed. You could put one between segments of your network 
for testing / device exercising to gain confidence. e.g. At the head 
of each building, or between the firewall and DMZ, etc.

Just make sure you determine what discrete pieces of functionality 
you're looking for first. Then when / if one of these falls over you 
can move to a PC, if you have to, a little easier / quicker. (Having 
gone through some of any learning curve already.)

[Actually, regardless of the device, a similar (test) implementation 
plan would have value.]

In your copious spare time.