Hardware reccomendations - small, reliable, in front fo low-traffic colo server
-
I'm looking for some hardware recommendations for something pfSense to put in front of 4 low-traffic colocated FreeBSD web servers.
I don't have enough space for another 1U, but I could fit something smaller, think like the size of a 16 port switch or around there. Are there any decent pfSense appliances which match this description, or is there something I could build which would meet my needs?
The 4 colocated boxes are low-traffic web servers sharing a block of 16 IP addresses, all on a 12mb cap.
-
I've been really happy with the FW-7520 from Lanner (http://lannerinc.com/Network_Application_Platforms/x86_Network_Appliance/Desktop-Fanless_Appliances/FW-7520). It's not particularly cheap, but it's small, fan-less, and has plenty of capacity.
-
Your requirements sound like an ALIX:
http://pcengines.ch/alix.htm -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816101262
It's barebones, but for 239.00 not too bad.
-
An ALIX kit would be a good fit.
http://www.netgate.com/index.php?cPath=60_84If you need redundant firewalls, the two ALIX in a 1U case is a very nice solution.
http://www.netgate.com/product_info.php?products_id=774
If you don't have the 1U of space, two ALIX kits would work just as well, just not as neat of a solution.A more powerful box.
http://www.netgate.com/product_info.php?products_id=659
but overkill if you have a 12 Mb cap. -
@cmb:
A more powerful box.
http://www.netgate.com/product_info.php?products_id=659
but overkill if you have a 12 Mb cap.That looks like a rebranded Lanner FW-7522. Probably cheaper direct from Lanner.
-
That looks like a rebranded Lanner FW-7522. Probably cheaper direct from Lanner.
It is. May be cheaper direct, maybe not, they buy in bulk so there may not be any difference. Should buy from Netgate either way, they're the biggest supporter of the project, it wouldn't be what it is today without their considerable backing. They also ship them pre-installed.
-
Anybody know what the Lanner/Netgate box consumes in power?
-
Anybody know what the Lanner/Netgate box consumes in power?
If I remember correctly, my FW-7520 (same guts, smaller case) is about 20W.
-
Wow, their entire lineup looks perfect for every pfSense scenario. 'Too expensive for a home use though.
http://www.lannerinc.com/Network_Application_Platforms/x86_Network_Appliance -
Actually, I use mine for my home network. It works great between gigabit wired, 802.11n, VOIP, and 12/3Mb cable internet. I pull lots of data over between wired and wireless, so it's been great to be able to do so at near line rates all the time. Plus it fits in my wiring panel and is completely out of view (structured wiring panel with switch, router, voip box, cable modem, RF distribution amp, etc all between two studs in a hall closet).
-
kc8apf,
I could see buying one for a full install of pfSense. I wonder if this model would support it since it can handle a laptop hard drive.
http://www.lannerinc.com/Network_Application_Platforms/x86_Network_Appliance/FW-7522The issue is…how would one install it without video? I suppose I could install it on another PC first. ???
-
The FW-7520 is a bit misleading in the pictures on the website. There is a space for mounting a 2.5" SATA drive internally and it comes with a dongle for VGA. The FW-7522 just adds room for a 3.5" SATA drive. I'm using the embedded image since I don't really need any packages for my usage. For 1.2.3, the embedded image is based on nanobsd and supposedly allows for packages. That would remove the need to use the VGA dongle.
