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Anatomy Of A uClinux-Powered VPN Gadget
An anonymous reader writes "LinuxDevices.com technical editor Jerry Epplin takes a look at SnapGear's award-winning uClinux-based VPN appliances from the perspective of a developer's ability to customize them -- and in the process, becomes a uClinux convert. 'uClinux is probably the most exciting development in embedded Linux today, and perhaps in the larger Linux world as well. If, like me, you were skeptical of uClinux because the idea of redesigning a desktop operating system to work in the most deeply embedded devices just seems wrong, you really need to take a look at the project now,' says Epplin."
VPN means Virtual Private Network. A VPN is when
you use encryption to send your private network
data over the public Internet, typically from one
business location to another. For example, a VPN
lets your French development office use ClearCase
servers located in your Mexican headquarters.
A VPN gadget handles the above. It would likely
also act as a router, firewall, or NAT box.
uClinux is a chopped-down Linux that can run on
a processor without a MMU. The original 68000
is an example of such a processor. These
processors are often cheap, small, and with
low power consumption.