Networking :: DSL as a router



Hey there!

I'm pretty much a Linux newbie, so excuse any silly questions.

Someone once mentioned to me that I could strip down any distro of Linux and install it to RAM and run a router in that manner.  I've got a gigabit switch, but the problem is that only one computer has internet access because I don't have a router.  BUT I want a gigabit network, and gig routers are pretty dang expensive!  So I have a clunker computer laying around (AMD Duron 800Mhz, 256MB RAM), and as I was browsing the web looking for a solution, I noticed that DSL is, well, SMALL! and it can be embedded to RAM!  So that was basically half of my problem solved!  Running in the memory will be faster than HD access.  On top of that, I don't have a hard drive (laugh now) to use in this computer.

Now, I could easily learn how to install DSL into the RAM.  That won't be a problem at all.  The question is, does DSL come with the required software to act as a router?  If it does NOT, is it possible to download the software and install it and use it, all in the RAM, without use of a harddrive?

THANKS!
Since even the most expensive ($100,000's/mo) are barely making the 1Gb point I would just buy a standard cable/DSL modem. Your Gb switch should be backwards compatible. so you would only need to get the router and plug it in.

Results:

You get the Gb Connectivity to all of your local devices that have Gb NICs and you will get the fastest speed your ISP can offer. If you have any questions, email me at [EMAIL=jason@ddsppo.com.]jason@ddsppo.com.[/EMAIL]

Unless you want to use dsl for a router, I am gining you fast shared internet access solution. I am not knocking dsl as a router at all.

FYI... I use a linux box as a router/firewall at home.

Jason V
I understand that I could just buy a router and continue to use my switch.  However, that is still a more expensive solution, by approximately $30-$60.  I possess that "clunker;" I wouldn't be buying one.  I simply want to use it as a routing solution because that will save me $30-$60.  From your reply, I am assuming that it is possible to load DSL into the RAM and use it as a router and firewall.  Is this correct?  Thanks again!  :)

::edit::

I think there was a misunderstanding.  I had no intention of purchasing a modem capable of gigabit speeds.  I simply wanted my network, which is on a gigabit switch, to have access via a router.  And because I have a computer lying around that's doing nothing, using it as a routing solution would be more cost effective than purchasing a router that would connect to my switch.  Sorry about that!  :)

::end edit::
Quote (Ryld @ June 22 2006,22:29)
I understand that I could just buy a router and continue to use my switch.  However, that is still a more expensive solution, by approximately $30-$60.  I possess that "clunker;" I wouldn't be buying one.  I simply want to use it as a routing solution because that will save me $30-$60.  From your reply, I am assuming that it is possible to load DSL into the RAM and use it as a router and firewall.  Is this correct?  Thanks again!  :)

::edit::

I think there was a misunderstanding.  I had no intention of purchasing a modem capable of gigabit speeds.  I simply wanted my network, which is on a gigabit switch, to have access via a router.  And because I have a computer lying around that's doing nothing, using it as a routing solution would be more cost effective than purchasing a router that would connect to my switch.  Sorry about that!  :)

::end edit::

I'm trying to think.  I used to work for a school district that ran a P2 300MHZ with 128MB of RAM as a VOIP router for over 5000 phones.  It ran the Cisco OS but I can't remember how they managed to make it work.  Google it and let me know what you come up with.

original here.