Cheap Router Build

[the pokemon kid]

Hey guys!

 

Introduction
Here is another build log from me! I have decided enough is enough and I am going to get rid of crappy router. The router I currently have isn't that old but the performance it gives is definitely sub par. So I decided to do a little research into building my own router and thought I might bring you guys along for the ride. I have no idea what I am doing but I have looked at a few guides from different places and feel I am ready enough to get this started. I am unsure on which software to choose but have seen a few PFSense box's popping up recently.

 

Hardware

Computer: Dell Optiplex 620

Wifi: 300mbps PCI wifi card from Ebay

Nic: HP NC360T dual Nic

RAM: 2gb of random RAM

HDD: 40gb seagate (maybe soon a 40gb SSD if I can find it...)

 

Software

IP COP

PFSense

Clark Connect

Untangle

 

Any Help

Any help on this project will be greatly appreciated as this is my first time.

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr


Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr


Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr


Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr


Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr


Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

[SirReallySam]

 

Any Help

Any help on this project will be greatly appreciated as this is my first time.

NEVER FEAR

 

Teksyndicate is here!

 

 

 

 

 

also this one (not as detailed at all though)

 

 

Nice idea btw...

[Ssoele]

Just a quick heads up, most FreeBSD based router OS's have trouble with 802.11n wifi (they are quite picky about the controller).

[the pokemon kid]

Some pictures of what I have got and done so far!

 

 

Just a quick heads up, most FreeBSD based router OS's have trouble with 802.11n wifi (they are quite picky about the controller).

The Wifi card that I have got supports B/G/N I believe.

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

 

Wireless router build Pt 1 by Mat Teague, on Flickr

[Hikaru12]

I just recently built my own router and I personally prefer pfSense but you could use Untangle with it for an incredibly powerfully machine. Linux distros based on FreeBSD will have issues with wireless N cards. In fact, I recently just bought a TP-Link Wireless N adapter and I found out that it isn't supported yet but will be supported in version 2.2 of pfSense. So, in the meantime I'll be buying a wireless AC access point to upgrade my wireless N access point that I bought for $14 bucks from Microcenter. Good luck!

[JokuTyyppi]

Looks interesting

[Unknown_Guy]

I don't think this is really worth for home use. The power consumption must be huge compared to off the shelf solutions. To tinker with as always nice but running 24/7 router from old PC not that good idea. Basically spending bit more on better off the shelf router would be more cost efficient in long run or buying special hardware like those Alix boards. Just something to think about.