[TriLUG] Slightly OT: AOL Cable Broadband & Linux

Chris Merrill cmerrill at nc.rr.com
Mon Jan 6 14:21:55 EST 2003


Having gone through this decision myself, I think there are two
distinctly different use cases represented:
- us (linux junkies): we want to run a server and do other cool
   stuff, in which case running a linux firewall makes sense
- them (our non-linux junkie friends/family): they won't be
   running servers or anything else.  Running a linux box is
   overkill and more expensive (power, maintenance, noise, etc)
   than a dedicated firewall hardware devices.

The original poster (I think) was setting up something for
his parents...who probably have little need to run a server
or spoof AOL mail addresses.

(just my 2 cents)
Chris

Greg Brown wrote:
> I'd suggest just the opposite.  I have a linux based edge device 
> (router, iptables, blah) and it works great.  Having this in places 
> allows me to:
> 
> 1. run iptables (which I really like as a firewall)
> 2. run a ssh server on the Internet side (most of the boxed edge routers 
> can forward ports, but it's just not as fun)
> 3. run a wide open sendmail server which allows forwarding (of course 
> only on the inside interface  - can't have an open sendmail server on 
> the Internet side).   This was your parents can send mail that looks 
> like it originates from AOL even though it might be coming from a 
> different domain.
> 4. run a web server (if you care to)
> 
> There are other reasons why I like to have a edge linux device, but 
> these are the ones that come to mind first.  But it does add complexity 
> but, on the flip side, I think it would make remote administration of 
> the network a bit easier if you can ssh right into the edge router from 
> anywhere on the Internet.  And this can all run on a P-II system.  It's 
> quite possible you can get your hands on a P-II Dell for less than a 
> broadband router.


-- 
*********************************
Chris Merrill
cmerrill at nc.rr.com
*********************************




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