SFF server platform

[David Bandel]

On Sat, 05 Feb 2005 19:43:47 -0600, Michael Hipp <Michael at hipp.com> wrote:
> Tony Alfrey wrote:
> 
> > 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?
> 
> Yes. Several specialty houses sell these boxes specifically as a wireless AP
> router.
> 
> > b.  w/ no CD rom, how do you load an OS?  Format and load the HD
> > elsewhere first?
> 
> 1. Power down box.
> 2. Remove case cover.
> 3. Connect spare IDE CD-ROM to secondary IDE port.
> 4. Power up box.
> 5. Install O/S.
> 6. Power down box.
> 7. Disconnect CD-ROM.
> 8. Replace case cover.
> 9. Tuck under arm and deliver to client.
> 
> > 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?
> 
> The "brick" refers to an external power supply box (as opposed to the internal
> power supply in a typical desktop PC). The "brick" has nothing to do with
> firewall functions or anything to do with the network or software. The brick
> is external and that's why it's called a brick. It's a slightly larger and
> slightly less annoying version of a wall-wart transformer (more powerful too).
> Protection here refers to surge protection.
> 
> Not sure about David's business plan, but these would make dandy "turn key"
> appliance routers whether leased or bought outright. Having Linux on it to
> work with would provide lots of advantages over proprietary closed-box routers.
> 

Spot on, Michael.  But I don't let the clients in.  I rent these as
part of a service contract.  I refuse to sell them because my clients
would just misconfigure the things and blame me for their hosed up
security (although the bridges really need no configuring, just plug
and play, but still ... ).

In multiples, I put in VPNs using openvpn and provide secure
connectivity between branches and homes of the managers, etc.

ciao,

David A. Bandel
-- 
Focus on the dream, not the competition.
            - Nemesis Air Racing Team motto