[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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