Router Soft users... IPcop etc

After seeing the reports on CF of download speeds being affected by the router, I did a bit of research, which opened my eyes.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/compo...rt/Itemid,189/
Throughput and multiple connections are a problem for cheap routers. As speeds and multiple downloads etc increase, this is a growing concern.
I decided to use IPcop as a replacement for my safecom SBRU 10100, which has proven faultless.

Anyway, does anyone have experience of IPcop or similar non windows on old hardware firewalls?

[Jon T]

I'm using an IPcop router/firwall, it's installed on a small form factor Compaq P3 with a 20GB HDD and 256MB RAM(some would say that's overkill).

Had no problems with is whatsoever, never needs re-booting(which can not be siad of my netgear). Internet access is faster, and the firewall is excellent.

Also, it does very good job as a VPN endpoint for my connection to my workplace network.

Cheers Jon. What about configuration via the web interface? I tried Router OS from Mikrotik and that was a nightmare, to put it mildly.

[Jon T]

The web interface, in my opinion, is about the same as a standard SOHO router(ie Netgear, Linksys etc).

However to get it configured you need to a certain amount of configuration in text based menus at install time,this is quite easy as long as you read the installation guide before you start(it isn't long or complicated).

[SimpleSimon]

I also have IPCop installed on a Dell Optiplex desktop PC. I can highly recommend it. My current uptime on it is 162 days. I know I have been lucky with no power cuts . Setup and config once set up is really easy so long as you read the manual. Can recommend http://ipcops.com as a support forum.

Simon

I'm using it as I type.

Working on a PII 350 with 128 ram and easily powers it. It closes the ident port but leaves it visible to the internet. I disabled the rule and full stealth is now achieved.
Browsing is snappier, but download speeds appear the same. Time will tell.

Thanks boys.