I have several hardware routers. None of the Cisco class however have a Cisco at work. OpenBSD is a good choice. I like it well also however they just added kernel ppp.
Reasons for me to use a computer for a firewall/router are:
I like to learn and experiement with the os(es) and packet filter(s). I have tried linux (most distros), freebsd, openbsd, netbsd, dragonfly, etc. IPTABLES, PF, and IPF. I like PF, IPF, and IPTABLES in that order.
I have tested dsl throughput and FreeBSD betters linux by about 10% (haven't tested OpenBSD)- NetBSD is in between the two. The dedicated routers are near the end of the pack in throughput.
I prefer FreeBSD and PF over OpenBSD because of ports and desktop refinement (my server boxes usually have everything installed on them).
Anything I use runs 24/7 and stability is an absolute requirement.
I agree..I have 3 boxes running 5.4 and it's absolutely stable. As far as I can tell nothing's broken at all. The only reboots I have had are intentional. I have them all configured as web servers, servers, and routers (only using one at a time)and file servers.
I have a couple of Slackware boxes and they all are neck and neck. I like the FBSD better as a DSL router because of PF and kernel ppp support.
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I have several hardware routers. None of the Cisco class however have a Cisco at work. OpenBSD is a good choice. I like it well also however they just added kernel ppp. Reasons for me to use a computer for a firewall/router are: I like to learn and experiement with the os(es) and packet filter(s). I have tried linux (most distros), freebsd, openbsd, netbsd, dragonfly, etc. IPTABLES, PF, and IPF. I like PF, IPF, and IPTABLES in that order. I have tested dsl throughput and FreeBSD betters linux by about 10% (haven't tested OpenBSD)- NetBSD is in between the two. The dedicated routers are near the end of the pack in throughput. I prefer FreeBSD and PF over OpenBSD because of ports and desktop refinement (my server boxes usually have everything installed on them). Anything I use runs 24/7 and stability is an absolute requirement.
I agree..I have 3 boxes running 5.4 and it's absolutely stable. As far as I can tell nothing's broken at all. The only reboots I have had are intentional. I have them all configured as web servers, servers, and routers (only using one at a time)and file servers. I have a couple of Slackware boxes and they all are neck and neck. I like the FBSD better as a DSL router because of PF and kernel ppp support.