linux as a router?

[DarthVader3257]

I think it's completely possible. I see people converting their BlackBerries and iPhone's into routers and modems, so I don't see how it's not possible to do so with a Linux! Good luck with it though, it'll turn out to be pretty cool.

[paolochicha]

Additionally, it would have been ideal if the cisco 2600 that was being referenced could have been tested in the mix of machines. e.g., 133, 200, 733 - to give a true "feel" for the overall performance of Linux Routers. I am silently cheering for Linux-but need direct indisputable evidence of performance as well as price and functionality.

[Godric]

I just had a very good read on how to use an old computer with Linux OS as a router. They made an experiment from an old computer they got from a trash can and programmed it into a router. Please see details here.

Hope that helps.

[sam300]

Well you can, but are routers so expensive that you want to use Linux as routers?

[Godric]

Well you can, but are routers so expensive that you want to use Linux as routers?

I think he Darthvader was asking more as a curiosity than of the need. In any case, if you have a spare old computer that you are not using anymore, wouldn't you use it?

[Victor Leigh]

The more I read in this thread, the more excited I get. So it looks like Linux can be used as the basis for a whole new industry - reviving old pcs.

[Godric]

The more I read in this thread, the more excited I get. So it looks like Linux can be used as the basis for a whole new industry - reviving old pcs.

Yes. On the pros it can be a good way to recycle tings. On the bad side, those computers would probably not be cost efficient.

[jfrantz]

If you're looking for an entire distro that serves as a router/firewall you might want to check out devil linux.

[Stefano Messicano]

Astaro would be my first choice. It's a very solid firewall appliance like distro, though "limited" in the sense that you cannot really add-on other software. Even though you cannot add-on anything to it (unless you really, really, really know the ins and outs of Linux), it has plenty of options to allow you to customize its function for the network your protecting, and imo, is the best at it.

[Famous]

Routers are very dedicated and low-power devices. While you can certainly run Linux on some routers, they aren't ideal for dynamic web pages or high-volume mail servers. The number of distributions that can run on a router are fairly limited, and it will greatly depend on what model your router is as to whether it is even supported by anything.