SFF server platform

[Tony Alfrey]

David Bandel wrote:
> On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 22:45:34 -0600, Michael Hipp <Michael at hipp.com> wrote:
> 
>>I need to spec a very low-end server box for a small client. Needs to be small
>>and quiet so I'm looking into SFF boxes. It will need 3 LAN ports to act as a
>>firewall/router for their network. Only one internal IDE drive needed and
>>probably no floppy or CD.
>>
>>Anyone have any recommendations on a SFF box for such an application?
>>
> 
> 
> I rent boxes like this.  Here's what I get:
> at CaseOutlet (http://www.caseoutlet.com/):
> ITX 2677R using a CL1000 motherboard (two ethernet ports).  I then put
> in either another ethernet card or a frame relay card (you'll need to
> buy the riser card for this).  I buy neither CD-ROM nor floppy, but do
> get either a 40Gb hdd or (better) a 1Gb flash RAM, 128Mb RAM.
> 
> Note that you'll need to adapt the flash RAM/IDE adapter into the case
> by drilling some holes for screws to hold it in place, but it works
> nicely.  (If you're not comfortable with this much engineering, just
> juy the hard drive).
> 
> I have "drop in" bridging firewalls (no IP needed), two or three port
> routing firewalls with VPN, and all are 60w 12v boxes, so last forever
> on even a small UPS.  The brick also provides some protection against
> surges.
> 
> And the 2677R is a nice small form factor box (I buy the black case --
> literally a black box).  In fact, I'm ordering four more this weekend
> for some new clients.
> 
> Ciao,
> 
> David A. Bandel

Very interesting link.
Very very newbie questions:
a.  I assume that, with an appropriate wireless card, one can use this 
box to form an all wireless network and avoid the extra ethernet port?
b.  w/ no CD rom, how do you load an OS?  Format and load the HD 
elsewhere first?
c.  this looks like about $400 by the time you are finished.  Why would 
one "rent" this?  Is this all wrapped into a service contract that you 
provide?
d.  "I have "drop in" bridging firewalls"  Very newbie Q:  Do they go in 
this case?  I know what a 12V brick is but not a "bridging firewall". 
"The brick also provides some protection . . . "  does the brick go in 
this case?  Add maybe an extra $100?

-- 
Tony Alfrey
tonyalfrey at earthlink.net
"I'd Rather Be Sailing"