[clug] DSL connection: modem or router?

[Andrew Pollock]

On Tue, Sep 28, 2004 at 11:55:10AM +1000, Drew Parsons wrote:
> Hello all,
> 
> thanks again for the recommendations for ISPs.
> 
> Assuming I proceed with a new DSL connection rather than TransACT, would
> you have any clear recommendation for choosing a DSL modem in preference
> to a DSL router?
> I understand the modem would give me more flexibility in the sense that I
> can route the connection through a small server that I can set up and fine
> tune myself.
> But the router seems convenient in that it takes up less space, involves
> less hassles.  All the household networking handled in one little box,
> with a small degree of firewalling to help security.  I'd be thinking
> about the Netcomm Wireless router, which also provides wireless for the
> laptop around the house, as well as 4 ethernet ports.  Current offers have
> it bundled with a PCI wireless card.
> I would expect to run a mail server for my domain from a small server box
> going through the router (if I go ahead with 1 static IP address).
> I'm inclined in favour of this router.  Is there any reason why I might
> regret going with it?
> Drew

I'm with Alex. I prefer the flexibility of having a full-blown Linux box as
my "router". I use an ADSL modem in bridging mode, and run pppoe on Linux.
You can't beat having tcpdump at hand when you're trying to diagnose a
really bizarre networking problem.

regards

Andrew

-- 
linux.conf.au 2005   -  http://lca2005.linux.org.au/  -  Birthplace of Tux
April 18th to 23rd   -  http://lca2005.linux.org.au/  -       LINUX
Canberra, Australia  -  http://lca2005.linux.org.au/  -    Get bitten!