How to turn an old comp into a router/firewall ?

[minoukat]

the title says it all, how can I turn an old comp (486 maybe, Pentium 1, ...) into a router and firewall ?

[iggybaseball]

i think u'll need linux

[minoukat]

Originally posted by iggybaseball
i think u'll need linux

And that router will be able to handle traffic or anything for all my comps ? Plus what additional hardware do I need to realize this project ?

[Shep]

You do need Linux. I would suggest coyote linux or freesco both are designed for routing and are small linux versions that fit on a floppy and load into ram. All you need is two nic cards in the linux machine and a hub or switch that has enough ports for your pc's.

[minoukat]

just wondering, why 2 NICs ?

[Warlord2]

one connects to modem and the other connect to the hub

I new you could do it with slow computer but that is one SLOW computer:D

[minoukat]

Originally posted by Shep
You do need Linux. I would suggest coyote linux or freesco both are designed for routing and are small linux versions that fit on a floppy and load into ram. All you need is two nic cards in the linux machine and a hub or switch that has enough ports for your pc's.

If it fits on floppies, and load in the RAM, do I still need a hard drive for this thing, or will it be unnecessary ?

[SpeeDj]

No hard drive necessary that I am aware of, all it loads is a ram disk. Be sure when you shop for nics you find two that are positive will work with linux without a hitch. I was going to build a firewall out of a 233MMx Pentium, just be sure not to use something too slow. Hope that helps.

J

[minoukat]

Thanks, guys ! :D Now all I have to do is shop for parts !