Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 20:13 Post subject: Is there an x86 install guide? Noob to top all noobs ! :)
Hello,
Noob to DD-WRT on X86 stuff, I have used DD for WRT-TM installs, both at work and home.
I happened to fall upon a bunch of Dell 2550 servers, and I was hoping I could make these into routers using DD_WRT.
I do not need wireless, but basic NAT/Routing capabilities. I do need to establish a site-to-site VPN between a few locations.
I got this idea because at work we use Linksys RV082's between a few branch offices, and they seem to be slow these days, even with the latest firmware. I figured we could use these Dell machines to replace our Linksys units. What I need in the way of functionality:
-Edge router, main IAP for each site.
- DHCP server, needs to be able to do reservations via MAC addresses.
- Firewall, need to be able to do SPI.
- VPN for the site to site tunnels, I need 5 of them.
- Nice, but not needed, client to gateway VPN, or some type of PPTP or L2TP.
I am the network admin, and I have decent linux skills. I could not find a good x86 install guide, and the wiki leaned toward the embedded crowd.
The nice thing about this, if it works, is more speed, easier to backup, and the redundancy of the Dell server (has redundant power and memory). I can mirror to 8GB SLC flash devices to boot to on the server too. I was able to download a .image file, but I don't know what to do with that? Is that like an ISO file, and do I just burn and boot to it?
Pls help, any guide you point me to I will faithfully read, I have just had no luck in finding them.
Thanks,
David
I read Sash's guidelines: I promise not to hijack anyone's threads, and here are my exact specs:
Dell 2550 server - Dual 900MHz Intel CPU's
NO WIRELESS
onboard intel 82559 chipset NIC's, think they are GB
2GB ECC RAM
2 x CF-to-IDe adapters
2 x CF 8GB Transcend 300x cards (setup in RAID1)
This is the licensed version, you need an activation key to use it. The public version is free, but lack some features like wireless networks and symmetric multiprocessing (SMP). The public version is also limited to 4096 connections and probably also has simple QoS functions.
You can read more here how to install dd-wrt on compact flash disks.
It's a dd image, and someone offers a DOS/WIN writing image program. ( I already did it with my ubuntu).
I will need SMP to buy a license since I have 2 physical CPU's it seems.
Questions:
How well does the SMP work, will it speed things up, will it be noticeable? Worth it?
How well does DD compare to Monowall for easy to use and reliable firewall functions? Should I consider Monowall instead?
The nice thing about DD-WRT is the ease of use, and my customer's on-site admin already knows how to use DD-WRT. So, if DD-WRT on a Dell 2550 dual CPU machine will speed things up and keep the VPN going, then this is the right choice for me. Any comments or other ideas?
...
I will need SMP to buy a license since I have 2 physical CPU's it seems.
Questions:
How well does the SMP work, will it speed things up, will it be noticeable? Worth it?
why not? its would make no sence if it would be slower. but this is a question u should ask our cpu vendor
Quote:
How well does DD compare to Monowall for easy to use and reliable firewall functions? Should I consider Monowall instead?
what do u expect ddwrt guys to say on this?
i can say we´re a lot easier to use and have tons more of features.
http://dd-wrt.com/demo
Quote:
The nice thing about DD-WRT is the ease of use, and my customer's on-site admin already knows how to use DD-WRT. So, if DD-WRT on a Dell 2550 dual CPU machine will speed things up and keep the VPN going, then this is the right choice for me. Any comments or other ideas?
No SCSI, I used an IDE-TO-CF adapter for the flash drives.
I know the machine has and supports SCSI, but since this is only going to be a router/gateway, the space would not be needed, and a waste of power to boot.
So I am using the IDE bus on that server and leaving the drive bays empty.
