Not sure if I should post this in *nix Software, or Networking, I'll try here first. Bare with me if my terminology isn't 100%, I'm an EE and this isn't my area of expertise (obviously or I wouldn't be asking).
I am trying to create/manage 8 separate LANs, on separate Cisco 2960 switches (let's call them LAN 1-8). I have a three 2-port Cisco Routers (2x 1900 and 1x 2900) at my disposal, which are currently connecting LAN 1-2, LAN 3-4 and the last one is not configured.
I need to keep all 8 networks on separate LANs, but allow them to talk to each other. Nothing fancy necessary, just static IP, no firewall, no wireless, no dynamic routing, no internet, etc.
I have a server sitting here with 8 ethernet ports (which is otherwise incredibly overspec'd for this task, but we have no other use for at the moment), I am hopeful I can throw Linux on it and configure it to be an L3 switch.
First, does all this seem reasonable so far?
If so, should I pursue:
1. base linux networking (on Debian or CentOS for example) to make it a switch
2. try to find a 3rd party package, (if so, suggestions?)
3. a specific OS version geared towards this (if so, suggestions?)
I've done some googling and haven't come to a consensus on which is the best approach, most of what I've found is focused on more complex switching/routing features then what I need.
Edit: removed the term VLANs.
I am trying to create/manage 8 separate LANs, on separate Cisco 2960 switches (let's call them LAN 1-8). I have a three 2-port Cisco Routers (2x 1900 and 1x 2900) at my disposal, which are currently connecting LAN 1-2, LAN 3-4 and the last one is not configured.
I need to keep all 8 networks on separate LANs, but allow them to talk to each other. Nothing fancy necessary, just static IP, no firewall, no wireless, no dynamic routing, no internet, etc.
I have a server sitting here with 8 ethernet ports (which is otherwise incredibly overspec'd for this task, but we have no other use for at the moment), I am hopeful I can throw Linux on it and configure it to be an L3 switch.
First, does all this seem reasonable so far?
If so, should I pursue:
1. base linux networking (on Debian or CentOS for example) to make it a switch
2. try to find a 3rd party package, (if so, suggestions?)
3. a specific OS version geared towards this (if so, suggestions?)
I've done some googling and haven't come to a consensus on which is the best approach, most of what I've found is focused on more complex switching/routing features then what I need.
Edit: removed the term VLANs.
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