A PC can become your Gate-keeper replacing your Router

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gcmartin

A PC can become your Gate-keeper replacing your Router

#1 Post by gcmartin »

This can be done with little more than an old motherboard+CPU, some RAM, and a USB stick.

The report speaks to its benefit

A Puppy distro can be used to do this with performance needing little to no money; versus spending real money.

Great solution as we acquire more and more smartDevices around the home needing a high performance solution with security.

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rufwoof
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#2 Post by rufwoof »

[size=75]( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) :wq[/size]
[url=http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?p=1028256#1028256][size=75]Fatdog multi-session usb[/url][/size]
[size=75][url=https://hashbang.sh]echo url|sed -e 's/^/(c/' -e 's/$/ hashbang.sh)/'|sh[/url][/size]

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Flash
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Re: A PC can become your Gate-keeper replacing your Router

#3 Post by Flash »

gcmartin wrote:This can be done with little more than an old motherboard+CPU, some RAM, and a USB stick.
Don't forget the power supply. An old motherboard/CPU combination could easily require 30 watts 24/7 while doing far less work than it is capable of. The equivalent of killing flies with a hammer. Another analogy would be using a Swiss Army knife for nothing but a screwdriver.

Would it make more sense to hack into a purpose-built router and modify the program to make it more secure?

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rufwoof
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Re: A PC can become your Gate-keeper replacing your Router

#4 Post by rufwoof »

Flash wrote:
gcmartin wrote:This can be done with little more than an old motherboard+CPU, some RAM, and a USB stick.
Don't forget the power supply. An old motherboard/CPU combination could easily require 30 watts 24/7 while doing far less work than it is capable of. The equivalent of killing flies with a hammer. Another analogy would be using a Swiss Army knife for nothing but a screwdriver.

Would it make more sense to hack into a purpose-built router and modify the program to make it more secure?
30w/hr maps to around 50p (UK pence)/week (5Kwh at 10p per Kwh). Approx US$0.75/week, $40/year.

If that PC is also serving other functions such as a personal web server, or remote access into the home from anywhere in the world, and/or media server/smart TV alternative (display/monitor = tv)... then a reasonable cost. As a pure router only, a relatively expensive cost.
[size=75]( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) :wq[/size]
[url=http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?p=1028256#1028256][size=75]Fatdog multi-session usb[/url][/size]
[size=75][url=https://hashbang.sh]echo url|sed -e 's/^/(c/' -e 's/$/ hashbang.sh)/'|sh[/url][/size]

gcmartin

#5 Post by gcmartin »

In a cost perspective, that power supply could evaporate the difference in total cost of processing (TCOP) versus, say, the NightHawk in the Report over time.

But, if one considers, as noted already in this thread, the extension of such a home unit positioned to provide additional services, then such a home's recommissioned PUP bring greater value and control to anyone choosing such.

There is NOTHING wrong with the routers of today. But, a "locked" propietary router cannot not be extended for it is NOT designed to allow extensions.

The Report did NOT cover a TCOP view. Yet if its performance number are reasonably accurate there is a value in that home setup in delivery of the highest attainable speeds into/out-of the home.

The Report did note that it would be presenting follow-ups.

wboz
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#6 Post by wboz »

If it's going to be active 24/7 I wouldn't use an old computer for this. But you can make the argument that the whole reason that "routers" are distinct from PCs is specifically because they needed to have a really low-power core so they wouldn't be, as mentioned, "killing flies with a hammer".

But now you can get low-end PCs that are MUCH more powerful than a router but sip power! So if you enjoy this small challenge (imagine the annoyance when it goes wrong) I think it makes total sense. An Atom or Celeron MB might only take a few watts while idle and need only a DC charger.

My one concern would be the MB required. If you want >2 Ethernet ports the selection quickly becomes, if not hard to find, then at least more expensive.

Atle
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#7 Post by Atle »

there is also "Routermaker" that looks neat for this purpose...

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=99022

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rcrsn51
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#8 Post by rcrsn51 »

It's not quite that simple. If you want a wired network, you would still need an Ethernet switch. For wireless, you would need a compatible, stable WiFi adapter.

Those are all part of an OOTB home wireless router.

RouterMaker is bare-bones software. It won't give you a fraction of the features in a hardware router.

Consider what happens after a power outage. What reboots faster and cleaner? Puppy or a router?

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#9 Post by Atle »

But if your purpose is to have one single user connected to one single cable internet connection, by using Wland, whereas the one single cable connection or modem, is connected to a laptop with reversed Wland like with Routermaker, then its possible?

The swithc is just needed if you got several users? Or?

gcmartin

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#10 Post by gcmartin »

Many options to do this with mini-PCs, over past few years.
Image
Many options, open/close source freeware, to do the PC piece. USB dongles are plenty.

PC peice: anything you choose. Mini-box, mini-board, MB+ps only, etc. by one's imagination

Advantage&Disadvantage: You control your home.: YOU must maintain it

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#11 Post by Ted Dog »

There are many ways to swat the fies, however closing the screen door could remove the need to swat flies.
I do not think its practical unless you are the only one using such setup, ie if you do set this up as a router... then add media server + + +. Then the simple task of routing data may slip and clogging the rest of the options. I think sadly with all the advantages of faster newer better, IT has done more to make an unstable experience, we are all looking at Microsoft right.... no I am talking linux!!! And I am talking puppylinux family especially.

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