Building My Own Router

[LuNoTiCK]

I searched but couldnt find anything on this topic.

Ok, I'm not so sure about doing this, but it sounds cool. What will I need to do this? Does anyone know of any articles about info on building my own router? How much will it cost around? Thanks all.

 

[sml]

a regular PC with a few network cards can be a router/packet filtering machine. most people load openbsd or linux on older pentium boxes and use them as their router. very easy to do; check out the Linux Router project [www.google.com]

 

[LuNoTiCK]

I'm also wondering I will need a switch. What would be a good switch to use? I have optimumonline, and I know that some routers slow the the internet speed, wondering if some switches will also. The speed of the computer won't affect my internet connection will it?

 

[Twilling]

You should try Linux on an older PC. Out the box, it has wizards for setting up router and sharing internet access. A good distribution is Mandrake, very user friendly....

 

[LuNoTiCK]

Alright. What would be like the minimum specs for a router?

 

[BCYL]

FreeSCO, the minimum requirements are stated on their website...

 

[Mucman]

I reccomend Freesco too! I didn't know a thing about Linux when I installed it and it was very easy! I got a 486DX/50 with 8M RAM + 40MB HD. Installing packages onto the router is a snap... One command installed VI, and another installed SSH with ease. I bought 2 3com509's from compugeek.com and they
work flawlessly.

 

[LuNoTiCK]

I'll need a switch also right? The program doesnt have a built in firewall does it? The speed of the computer wont affect the speed of my internet connection? I have a fast internet connection and I know some routers wont give me great speeds. Thanks again.

 

[Mucman]

Yes you will need a switch...

My setup :

cable modem -> Freesco box -> DLink 8-port switch -> structured cabling -> 4 computers.

I have gotten 500KB/s downloads (@home) and the router blocks all traffic that I don't have forwarded to one of my servers. When you get more confident
with the setup you can tweak the firewall so it is even more secure.