Software

• COST Linux kernel 2.4
  
• DHCPD
• DHCP client for dynamic IP from broadband provider
• SSH for secure login
  
• Shorewall for iptables configuration (www.shorewall.net)
• Shell and vi (busybox).
  

Hardware

• Thin clients or network computers. 
  
• Criteria:
• Must have at least 1 NIC and 1 USB port.
  
• USB port can be used as a network interface if attached to a USB NIC.  RoadRunner's latest cable modem has a USB connection that can be connected directly to computer's USB.
• Solid State Device for storage (DiskOnChip, DiskOnModule, Compact Flash)
• BIOS must be willing to accept GRUB or Linux kernel.
• Small form factor, fanless CPU.
• Cheap (many are sold on eBay for $10-$100).
  
• List of known working hardware (search for "thin client" on eBay):
• Netier SL and XL series (DiskOnChip).
• Capio II 2992 (DiskOnChip).
• Acute Network Technology (DiskOnChip).
• GTC Allwell (DiskOnChip).
  
• IBM NetVista N2200 8363 E models (Compact Flash).
• Single Board Computers (DiskOnChip).
  
• Others (not yet hacked).

IBM NetVista N2200 8363 thin client

• Two types of network interface: token ring (T models) and ethernet (E models).  Two types of OS supported: Windows and Linux.
• Can boot remote kernel or local kernel on Compact Flash.  Configurable from BIOS.
  
• Built-in 32MB memory.  No PS2 keyboard, USB only.  Other USB can be used for NIC.
  
• No hardward clock.  Must get time from a time server.
• Has IBM's proprietary BIOS and bootloader.  Can be re-flashed.  Need Linux BIOS to boot Linux kernel.
• BIOS boots kernel directly hence initrd may not be possible.  Some hacking required:

• (Linux) bootloader looks for a kernel file named kernel.2x00 in /dev/hda1/.  It's an uncompressed kernel image.  When compile kernel, make vmlinux should do it.
• Partition CF into 3 partitions:
• /dev/hda1: stores the kernel.2x00 image and utilities to boot strap a RAM file system.  Treat this like and initrd file system.  Size is about 2MB (kernel.2x00 takes up most space).
• /dev/hda2: stores system configuration files (to mount on /etc/sysconfig).  Size is about 100KB, depending on need.
  
• /dev/hda3: stores the (RAM) "real" root file system and local file system.
• Optional /dev/hda4 to store local file system if local is not in RAM.
  
• mke2fs /dev/hda[1-3].  Mount them.
  
• Prepare file systems on a work station.  Copy images and files onto CF.
• When kernel.2x00 is loaded, it will assume /dev/hda1 as root file system.  We can use init to prepare the RAM file systems, mount the new root file system onto a directory on /dev/hda1, then perform pivot_root to the new root.
  

Wish list/ToDo

• Web interface configuration.
• VPN (FreeSwan).
• DHCPCD homing capability.
• More broadband (DSL, ADSL) ISP support.
  
• Hack more hardware.