If you can get an 8GB flash drive for $10 these days...

[VirtualLarry]

why do routers still only have 8 *megabytes* of flash memory in them? Imagine how much more useful these routers could be, if they had 8 *gigabytes* of flash memory. plenty of room for jffs, or anything really.

Edit: For that matter, why don't all modern routers, have a USB host port, and allow you to plug in your own flash drive, and allow them to boot off of them?

 

[phillyTIM]

It really comes down to a price/feature ratio. A router OS really is a very small thing. More memory would generally equate to offering more features. But features above and beyond what a typical 8 or 16 megabyte router offers would be above the typical consumer spectrum--features found in more expensive business-grade routers.

Even if they put more Flash memory in the router, do you want manufacturers to charge you needless extra dollars for more memory that wouldn't be used because they wouldn't include a given feature set in a "consumer" router? Yeah memory is cheap, but it is probably deemed to be needless.

That's the basic reasoning.

 

[spidey07]

Cost and demand.

 

[imagoon]

My Junipers have a couple of gig... Granted most home users aren't willing to plunk $4000 on a "router."

Cost / demand. Why bother designing 1 gig of flash in to a PCB when 8 or 16MB will do and costs pennies.