[lug] Broadband

[Alan Robertson]

PC Drew wrote:
> 
> For all those who have or want cable modems or DSL, you should look
> into using the Linksys BEFSR41 firewall instead of a computer.  Yeah,
> it's a lot of fun to play around with Linux firewalling and such, but
> if you want something that firewalls, does DHCP, NAT, port forwarding,
> etc. for your network AND has a 4-port switch in it for only
> $160...this is your product!
> 
> No, this isn't an advertisement for Linksys.  I just cringe when I
> hear about people using their linux machines to do lots of packet
> filtering that is unnecessary.
> 
> Also, if you think for a second that hooking your cable modem directly
> into your computer is safe, think again.  You've just put your
> computer straight on the Internet for script kiddies to beat the crap
> out of.

On the other hand, it's REALLY CPU-cheap to do it on Linux.  My setup cost me
$100.  I bought a 486/33 for $50, and put two NICs in it for about $20 each.  To
run my 256K DSL through it requires 10% of the CPU, even when it's running
450kbits/sec (which it often does).  This machine will also host my wireless
network, when I get around to adding it ;-)

On the other hand a 4-port switch costs $80-90 each, so the Linksys sounds like
a pretty good deal. 


	-- Alan Robertson
	   alanr at suse.com