Linux Router ...

[Bill Campbell]

On Thu, Feb 23, 2006, Ben Duncan wrote:
>Anyone got any experience setting up a PC with Linux and using
>it as a router?

We've been using Linux boxen for routers for quite a while.  We're using
Sangoma cards to connect to T1s.

>Pos's  or Con's ? cost benfits versus something like a Crisco 26xx/28xx
>series ?

The main advantage is the flexibility one has with iptables rules, ssh
access to the rounter, etc.

On the other hand, commodity router boxes have a lot going for them if one
just wants a simple box that does NAT, IPSec tunnelling, and doesn't want
to get fancy.  If you're connected via DSL or cable, there's a lot to be
said for using boxes that are available at the local computer store in case
one fails.  Plug the box in, configure it with a browser, and forget it.

Connecting to a T1 is a bit more interesting because of the cost of the
interface to the T.  The Sangoma cards are available with built in CSU/DSO
so you don't have to buy an external box.

Cyclades also makes T1 cards, but they totally screwed me several years
ago, charging me a 15% restocking fee on a thousand dollar PCI card that
wouldn't work with the Linux kernel I told them we were using.

I haven't looked at the market for several years, but the Pipeline 130s
were a reasonable way to connect to T1s using point to point or frame
relay.

Bill
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