OPNsense @ Fujitsu Futro

The develompent of m0n0wall has stopped. Good alternate to replace is OPNsense.

The hardware:Futro S400 TR53A0

Fujitsu Futro is Thin Client PC with fanless x86 hardware. Processor is Athlon-based embedded chip running at 800-1000 MHz and typically there is 512-1024 MB of SO-DIMM memory. Older models can be found from eBay at a price of 20 eur plus shipping. Futro also has internal CF-card slot for semi-cheap and silent operation.

Depending on a model you will find PCI or PCIe slot. PCI/PCIe card needs 90-degree adapter. There is only one embedded NIC in futro, so all your LAN and OPT interfaces must be in expansion card. Finding a dual port NIC to PCI slot might not be easy, however, you can use VLAN's to separate traffic in internal network.

Installation

Hook up your USB-DVD-drive into front USB port, insert disk with OPNsense-latest-cdrom-i386.iso and boot. Make sure your BIOS has some key settings set:

Run Quick setup and set up your basic configuration from console.

FreeBSD installer and "failed with error 19"

FreeBSD-based (OPNsense, m0n0wall, FreeNAS) installer sometimes stops at error

Trying to mount root from cd9660:/dev/iso9660/OPNSENSE_INSTALL [ro]...
mountroot: waiting for device /dev/iso9660/OPNSENSE_INSTALL ...
Mounting from cd9660:/dev/iso9660/OPNSENSE_INSTALL failed with error 19.
Loader variables:
vfs.root.mountfrom=cd9660:/dev/iso9660/OPNSENSE_INSTALL
vfs.root.mountfrom.options=ro

After hours of googl'n and a few beers, I finally got hit: https://forums.freebsd.org/threads/mounting-failed-with-error-19.34120/
by m6tt, Sep 30, 2012: Controller might not be supported by FreeBSD, but it is supported (obviously) by the BIOS. Loading bootcode from the stick is via BIOS, booting from loader stage is handled by loader and the kernel. Try the same port once booted and see if it works then.
...and yes! Attaching my USB-DVD to front USB ports makes it work.