Re: [gentoo-embedded] Gentoo Embedded Linux on Linksys Blue Boxes

[Ned Ludd <solar@gentoo.org>]

On Sun, 2005-04-24 at 00:42 +0800, Linux GNUbie wrote:
> Hello all,
> 
> We're planning to deploy Linux based VPN client using IPSec on our
> branches which will have a downstream/upstream of 256Kbps DSL
> connection.  Our VPN gateway which will be located in our main office
> will run on an OpenS/WAN VPN implementation.  My first question is, do
> you guys think that the Linksys [1]BEFSR41 or the [2]WRT54G can cater
> the said requirement?  All of the VPN clients will have a single server
> behind them and connected through a crossover cable only.  The VPN
> connection is actually dedicated to the server behind each VPN clients.
> 
> My only concerns of the two said Linksys appliances when it comes to
> their hardware specifications are:
> 
> [a] 200Mhz processor
> [b] 4MB flash drives
> [c] 16MB RAM
> 
> My three main reasons why I'm planning to make use of either of the said
> appliances are [a]cheaper cost of the box, [b]low power consumption and
> [c]small enough that is basically can save space.
> 
> My second question is, do you guys think that with the said hardware
> specifications, it is possible to install Gentoo Linux in it?  Or, has
> anyone able to install Gentoo Linux in it primarily used as a VPN
> client?


Almost of all of this can theoretically be done via Gentoo currently
with a little work, but honestly Mike Bakers OpenWRT project is better
suited for the task right now.

These great little mipsel devices use a proprietary wireless driver
module and an older kernel. So to make the solution complete at Gentoo
one would require a kernel that was able to load the linksys module as
well as meet the security standards for a kernel. That's where these
devices and all known public sources for them fall a bit short.

http://openwrt.org

-- 
Ned Ludd <solar@gentoo.org>

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