looking for gigabit network appliances

[Paul Schenkeveld]

Hi,

I've been happily using many Soekris network appliances for almost 10
years now but Soekris is not in a big hurry to come with a gigabit
platform :(

So I am looking for for a decent network appliance platform to start
replacing Soekris boxes.  On my wish list are:

  - Can run FreeBSD >= 8.2 (i386 or amd64).
  - Models with 4 to 8 (or more) network interfaces, at least 4 gigabit
    but all gigabit is better.  Preferrably Intel em or igb chips.
  - Preferrably a choice of low power CPUs (Intel Atom D510/D525?) and
    more powerful CPUs (Core 2/Xeon)
  - Bootable from flash or (SATA 2,5") SSD
  - 1U rackmount models available but preferrably also small passively
    cooled desktop boxes.
  - Serial console preferrable over VGA console.
  - IPMI would be a plus but not absolutely required.
  - Distribution channel in Europe.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Paul Schenkeveld