[plug] ADSL: Hardware Gateways vs Linux

[Chris Caston]

On Mon, 2004-07-05 at 17:59, Russ Powers wrote:
> On Mon, 5 Jul 2004 02:37 pm, Chris Caston wrote:
> <snip>
> > I look forward to the day when someone releases a Linux powered adsl
> > modem.
> >
> 
> Like this?
> 
> http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=601
> http://www.portless.net/ewrt/


I did mention it. I've never owned one though and I can't just from the
website work out if it actually INCLUDES an ADSL modem as part of its
function.

"Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole
network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection, files, and
other resources such as printers and hard disk storage space. "

You can setup a normal computer to SHARE an internet connect but I can't
see any evidence to suggest the device can also connect to ADSL.

If it can please let me know because I will buy one tomorrow!

thanks,

Chris
> 
> > > I could go with a simple
> > > ADSL Modem, whack a second net card in the Linux server (current dial-up
> > > server - really needs some maintenance done on config tho), or I could go
> > > with one of the ones with 4-port, and demote my Linux server to a
> > > file/web server.
> >
> > You could.
> >
> > > The other consideration is whether to take the opportunity to take the
> > > plunge into Wireless, and get an ADSL Modem which also doubles as a
> > > Wireless Access Point.
> >
> > Be careful with these. I've been having serious problems with the
> > wireless component of the Billion 7402w. It may be better to get a
> > separate access point. When the whole product is the wireless access
> > point they are going to put more effort into making it good than if the
> > wireless is just a "feature" of an adsl modem.
> >
> > > The main concern is if the range will stretch from the study at one
> > > end of the house, through multiple walls to the other end of the house.
> > > How's the range on these sort of SOHO products?
> >
> > Much less when going through walls. You may need a repeater or even just
> > run some cable. It's not that hard. In fact it's far easier to install
> > sockets than it is to crimp cable.
> >
> > > Lastly - what are the Netcomm's like which Westnet offer? (See above
> > > link). The PDF brochures all read rather well, but then, not having
> > > networking as a specialty field, a lot of the acronyms go over my head.
> > > ^_^ (Although the spec sheet for the Netcomm 5580W wireless one reads a
> > > lot like a Linux feature-set. Anyone know if it's really an embedded
> > > linux device?)
> >
> > Not sure about Netcomms but try the LINKSYS WRT54G, 802.11G, 11/54Mbps
> > Wireless-G Router. It runs Linux and you can use it to run a Linux of
> > your choice providing it has a small footprint.
> >
> > > Any other gotcha's or advice on hardware and configuration?
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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