You can use as many NICs as your mainboard/PCI-Bus/IRQs can handle (assumed your have a license that supports that). You can increase the number by using some 4-Port-NICs (use a Adaptec ANA-64044TX for example - don't use a D-LINK DFE-580TX).
I need 10 or 12 cards. My server has only 5 PCI slots, and one integrated card. Is there a loss of performance with a lot of cards (because of IRQ steering or anything else ?)
10 or 12? You're not sure? Seems like for an installation like that you'd know right off how many you need... 3x4port NICs should do you just fine. Curious, what are you planning to do with that many zones? There may be alternatives...
typically ISPs need such a lot of NICs. I know that Pyramid Computers a company in Germany offers a solution with 15 NICs. It should also run with 20 . But I am not sure if that makes sense if you need the full bandwidth at all interfaces.
My networks have 3000 users in 60 wireless access points (1000 connected at the same time), 200 users with desktop PCs, 40 servers. With Astaro, yes. I want to make some differences beetween users, servers, DMZs, and don't want to use netmasks.
