Which is better? Cable Modem Router or Linux IPMASQ/Firewall?

[Praetor]

I was originally going to set up a linux box to act as a proxy/router/firewall/file-server (yeah, lotsa stuff) for when I get cable next month. Since, I've trimmed my needs down to a simple proxy/router/firewall job. Primarily because I thought the file-server bit through.

Since I don't need it to do too much, I know I could just my old P166 with RH6.2 to do the job, but should I purchase a router instead?

Less maintence, less hassle, built-in hub/firewall. But not as much fun to maintain.

I'd have to build another computer to replace the P166, so what should I do?

 

[Henry Kuo]

well, you said all the consequences. basically it all depends on whether you want the fun of configuring it. I think using Linux will probably give you the most options on what you wanna do, but it will take more time. I think the P166 should do fine. it will just acts as a little server doing packaging and forwarding.