Multiport NICs are not expensive, or poorly supported. Google for Compaq NC3131, they're dual (can be upgraded to quad) Intel Ether Express Pro 100's on a PCI bridge built into the card. (Note, these are 64bit/66mhz cards, but they operate fine in 32bit/33mhz slots unless you opt for the dual gigabit daughterboard) Other companies have taken various other chipsets and done the same thing, I recall seeing a quad port rtl8181 based board not so long ago. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5792027257&category=51195&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Quad port tulip chipset based NIC, $4.99 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5791419530&category=51195&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Same card, $19.95 buy-it-now. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5792594592&category=56092&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Lot of 4 Compaq NC3131 (8 ports total) for $40 buy-it-now. Ignore the clueless people on this list. On Mon, 2005-07-18 at 14:07 -0500, Randy Clarksean wrote: > I am looking at a side project (fun/educational) to buy a couple used > multiport NICs, select a Linux distribution, and make a router/firewall out > of some old hardware. Has anyone out there tried this task and had any > success? Suggestions on Linux distributions for just a router/firewall > configuration? CD bootable versions? > > Quick google search produced: > > Linux router project (now DEAD) > BBI agent > Diet-Router > fli4l > floppyfw > FreeciSCO > Rock Router Linux > Sisela > > Would be nice if anyone had some thoughts on these or other distributions. > My goal is to have a secure, solid, remotely administrable system. > > Many thanks in advance ... as always. > > Randy