Linux, PC-based routers versus dlink, netgear, billion routers

[nic777]

Hi,

I prefer to use ADSL routers that are PC-based (get a PC, install Linux, configure) to the 'embedded' routers bought off the shelf (D-link, netgear, billion).

I guess its the freedom to convert that one PC into anything I want and the stablity that is so appealing but now I have been thinking: if all I want is an ADSL router with a decent firewall, surely the embedded firewall should be more than suitable ?!?!?

So my question is: can I expect the same performance and stablity using the embedded routers that I have received from Linux ? If not, what performance drop can I expect - will I notice it ???


Thanks

 

[werner]

most of the embedded routers run linux, so I dont see what the problem is.

one is a pc running linux, the other is a pc running linux (albeit smaller, and a bit more dedicated)

If anything, I would say the purpose built router should be better, less to go wrong and 100% supported hardware custom designed for the application (no arguments about cr@ppy brands pls, you get what you pay for)

 

[Roman4604]

For me the primary disadvantage of a PC based router is noise. Purpose built router are totally silent.

 

[arf9999]

No fan on the power supply, no hard drive to fail...little or no set up required. If it only needs to do one thing...its a no brainer - router (runs linux anyhow).

However, if you want to run a proxy on the same box, or run some kind of bandwidth limiter/monitor..a pc will probably be better.

 

[alchamy]

Nothing like a old P2 running PFSense

 

[nic777]

silent, small, suported hardware => yep, those are good reasons.

I know what you are talking about alchamy; you can't use the PII anyway so might as well convert it to a router. But the 'problem' comes when you don't have an old PC and have to buy new - a new PC hardware is sometimes twice the cost of the embedded router!!!

Anyways, my perception has changed - thank you for your comments

 

[alchamy]

I totally agree, if you dont have a box lying around then its pointless to go out and get one just to build an overkill router.

I use a Asus WL500g at home with great success, everything from shaping to VPN on one tiny silent box.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Nic777, werner is right, of course, but arf9999 raises a good point. If you want a proxy you need a PC with a hard drive.

If you're a bit of a tinkerer and don't mind spending some extra money, you can replace the power supply fan with a better one that pushes more air and that has sleeved (or sleevless? Can't remember) bearings.

Then get a second hand notebook drive - 4200rpm. That's way fast enough to run a proxy server at home most of them are fairly quiet - some aren't though, try before you buy. You can even use two in a software based raid-0 for more speed.

Or if you really want to spend get some flash memory on an IDE converter - that gives you completely quiet storage. Now take a Pentium classic, give it enough memory (32 is enough for 15 people, but more is always better).

There are many ways to make a PC very quiete, mostly buying good quality fans go a long way.