NSLU2 Now More Useful

NSLUG writes "The WRT54G's not the only hackable kid on the block. Linksys has a new device out. The NSLU2 is a tiny network storage device running Linux and it's been hacked to add SSH, NFS, an iTunes server, etc. Tom's Hardware is running a series of articles on how to hack the NSLU2. The first article is here and the second is here. Check out this page for details on getting into the box."

Comments

Avaks RoadRunner 64

[koody]

A-Link has released two new ADSL-modems RoadRunner 64 and RoadRunner 64AP. Both have many advanced features, but the one that cought my eye was that they are Linux based. I bought the RoadRunner64 (without WLAN) and I've gathered some data about it.

You can find out more about the product either by looking at the RR64 feature sheet or by checking out the guides and firmware page.

The platform

Both versions use LSI Logic's HomeBASE platform with the AR901 network processor. The only difference is that the AP version has a WLAN module manufactured by Zydas.

The platform consists of AR901 processor (ARM922), the AR8203 analog-to-digital adsl chip and the AR229 USB/Ethernet chip. Note that the value of these parts is a measly $21 while I paid 80 EUR for the complete modem ;-)

Specs

Processor: ARM922 @ 200MHz integrated in the AR901 chip
Flash: 4MB
RAM: 16MB SDRAM
Ports: 4 RJ45, 1 RJ11, 1 power
Other: Zydas 802.11b WLAN (In RR64AP only)

One can simply ssh to the box. It has tftp support and you can mount nfs partitions, so setting it up to distribute kernels for a ltsp setup would be possible. Cool little gadget, I must say. Unfortunately the software isn't 100% yet, at least not the firmware I have (first release). I got the source by asking politely by e-mail, and after it suddenly borked on me, they changed it for a new one without any hassle.

Re:Linux embedded integrators are lazy

[bostonkarl]

Oh, please. Who are you with your shoulds and should nots. Did you read how folks originally broke into this box? They *physically* unplugged the USB2 disk from the NSLU2 and mounted the USB hard disk (which is NOT part of the NSLU2) directly to their Windows/Mac/Linux box(es). They then modified the password file from the Windows/Mac/Linux box. Being able to modify this device is a good thing. There is a collaberative spirit surrounding the newgroup associated with the folks developing *useful* applications to run on this the device. Linksys sells a very interesting and inexpensive piece of hardware with the NSLU2. A big reason it is inexpensive is that Linksys (1) lowers software development costs by using a ubiquitous operating system/software that it (Linksys) doesn't need to develop and (2) doesn't pay outrageous licencing fee for proprietary operating system/software that provides the same funcationality as freeware (Linux). QNX? You think the password file associated with QNX couldn't be modified in the same manner? VxWorks? Common.

The whole idea is crazy

[ObviousGuy]

I don't get it.

Re:The whole idea is crazy

[titusjan]

Well, if it isn't ObviousGuy, my old FP nemesis...

It's no use trying to hide your real intentions by posting at +5 interesting. That's the oldest trick in the book, it doesn't fool anybody.

You think you've gotten 10^7th post because of all that money invested in a highspeed connection and a 2 by 4 reload button. You just got lucky! In the end my skilzz will beat your daddies money.

See you at 2^24th post.

Re:The whole idea is crazy

[The Ultimate Fartkno]

I hereby announce my line of high-quality t-shirts commemorating what will go down in history as a moment of sheer perfection in geekdom. The name, the post, the event... all so perfect for the occasion. Truly a singular moment, and we should all be proud to have been here.

The shirts will be available in S, M, L, XL, XXL, and Admin.

Babylon 5 decals are optional.

Re:The whole idea is crazy

[selfsealingstembolt]

Well, there goes his account....

Take a look at his journal.

Re:Why ?

[Jeff DeMaagd]

If you want ssh, telnet and all the other toys, plug a real linux box into your network !

It is a real linux box. It was when it was packaged too.

The thing about this and WRT54G is that it can do things with more efficient hardware than setting up an inefficient ATX based system. These things consume watts, not hundreds of watts and are also fanless, lighter and more compact.

Fast Times At /.?

[cyber0ne]

I don't get it.

THAT was the great and historic 10,000,000th post. Beautiful. I'm reminded of the "I don't know" written on the chalkboard in Fast Times At Ridgemont High.

It will happen a lot sooner than that

[britneys 9th husband]

Some Slashdot history (thanks to $$$$$exyGal for the informative journal entry...

Post #1,000,000 on Jun 15, ???? http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=6038&cid=10000 00
Post #2,000,000 on Mar 1, ???? http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=16359&cid=2000 000
Post #3,000,000 on Feb 13, ???? http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=27908&cid=3000 000
Post #4,000,000 on Aug 2, 2001 http://ask.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=37241&cid= 4000000
Post #5,000,000 on Jan 2, 2002 http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=49501&cid=5000 000
Post #6,000,000 on May 20, 2003 http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=64871&cid=6000 000
Post #7,000,000 on Sep 18, 2003 http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=79101&cid=7000 000
Post #8,000,000 on Jan 16, 2004 http://developers.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=930 44&cid=8000000
Post #9,000,000 on Apr 28, 2004 http://science.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=105698 &cid=9000000
Post #10,000,000 on Aug 18, 2004 http://developers.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=118 344&cid=10000000

Unfortunately, I couldn't tell what year the first three were posted, but from 4 million to 10 million, you can see the number of days it takes to post 1,000,000 comments:

4 million to 5 million: 153 days
5 million to 6 million: 138 days
6 million to 7 million: 121 days
7 million to 8 million: 120 days
8 million to 9 million: 102 days
9 million to 10 million: 112 days

First observation: Comment posting is slowing down on Slashdot!!! Slashdot is dying!!! Netcraft confirms it!!! OMGWTFBBQ!!!

(end troll mode)

Second observation: At the current rate of posting, it will take us 3 years to post 10 million more comments, or about 27 years to get to 100 million. So you can reschedule the celebration from 2525 to 2031, if not sooner.