Re: Software-based Border Router

[cmaurand () xyonet com]

I haven't found that to be the case.  The larger memory space available to
the kernel allows for larger BGP tables and filtering tables.  I've seen
BSD based systems running thousands of concurrent tunnels and the
processors available in the linux/BSD space bury anything that the router
manufacturers are overcharging you for.  A properly planned upgrade or
addition of a card should take a maximum of 15 minutes as everything
should be plug and play.   Some of the software based systems also come
from the manufacturer with the hardware.

If the network is configured properly with failover capabilities and only
one unit down at a time, down time is minimal or non existent.  Software
upgrades happen in a matter of minutes.

Cheers,
--Curtis

> Another big problem for Linux/Unix-based routers of this size/cost is
> upgrade-ability.   If you need to add cards, you are going to have to
> bring
> the router down for extended periods.   Likewise, a software upgrade can
> be
> a bigger deal than on a purpose designed router.   If a router is mission
> critical, Linux/Unixed-based has issues over extended periods.
>
> regards,
> Fletcher
>
> On Sun, Sep 26, 2010 at 4:35 PM, William Herrin <bill () herrin us> wrote:
>
> > On Sun, Sep 26, 2010 at 6:15 AM, Nathanael C. Cariaga
> > <nccariaga () stluke com ph> wrote:
> > > Thank you for the prompt response.  Just to clarify my previous
> > > post, I was actually referring to Linux/Unix-based routers.
> > > We've been considering this solution because presently we
> > > don't have any budget for equipment acquisition this year.
> >
> > What's your time worth?
> >
> > Quagga on Linux is a fine software, but messing with the
> > idiosyncrasies is far more time consuming than buying a Cisco 2811,
> > adding enough RAM to handle BGP, configuring it once and forgetting
> > about it.
> >
> > Also bear in mind that while your ISP's engineers can help you
> > configure your Cisco router, Quagga is a mystery to them. You can
> > still get help... but not from someone who also knows how the ISP's
> > network is configured.
> >
> > This is not a problem if you have lots of experience with BGP routing.
> > Do
> > you?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Bill Herrin
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > William D. Herrin ................ herrin () dirtside com  bill () herrin us
> > 3005 Crane Dr. ...................... Web: <http://bill.herrin.us/>
> > Falls Church, VA 22042-3004
>
>
> --
> Fletcher Kittredge
> GWI
> 8 Pomerleau Street
> Biddeford, ME 04005-9457
> 207-602-1134