Discussion
Pondering to build my own little router out of cheap components. No WiFi needed, only a handful of ethernet ports, able to run NetBSD, preferably not x86, no soldering.
Doesn't need to be the fastest thing, I don't need a web ui or anything. I just want a small form-factor device with a bunch of eth ports that runs NetBSD. I'll take care of the rest.
@algernon What's wrong with the idea putting OpenWRT on some commercial hardware and moving on with your life?
@cliffordheath I don't like openwrt, and don't have suitable hardware either. If I'm buying hardware, might aswell buy something that runs an OS I like.
@algernon@come-from.mad-scientist.club my, that sounds perfect for risc-v, doesn't it
@algernon I've been running old laptops as routers, albeit with Debian. I can recommend. No web UI. Admin and config via Ansible.
In case it inspires, https://puomi.liw.fi/
@liw none of the laptops I have at hand (or might be able to afford for christmas) have enough eth ports. I can fiddle around with usb eth, but they typically lack usb ports too, and throwing a hub onto the pile quickly turns a small little device into a pile of mess :/
@algernon There are compromises, yes.
I've bought used, refurbishes laptops over the years, because I a local computer shop sells those. I use a USB-Ethernet adapter to give a second port, connected to a switch.
If it weren't for USB2 ports, I'd continue to use a ThinkPad X220 as a router, but I want gigabit speeds, so I bought a slightly newer laptop with USB3.
But an SBC like a Pi would work well, too, I'm sure.
@algernon I used a Qotom "industrial PC" as a router for many years, until it started having heating problems. A low-end Intel CPU, and four Ethernet ports built in.
Sorry if it sounds like I'm pushing something, that's not my intention. I'm sharing my experiences in the hope its useful.
Install Fedizen
Get the full app experience
From here, my mind wandered off, and I caught myself daydreaming about writing my own little unikernel thingy to put on an ancient tplink I have somewhere. One that is unsupported by modern router firmware, but... a tiny custom OS might just work.
Would be a nice excuse to learn some low level stuff too.
Onto the bucket list this goes! Lets reset our thoughts back to a more tanglible project.