Re: Linux router

On Tue, Jun 03, 2008 at 02:10:52PM -0700, Steven Kurylo wrote:
> I'm looking at using a linux machine at the core of a new network.
> Overall we're trying to avoid paying the cisco tax, so I was thinking
> about dlink DES-3052Ps, and instead of buying a layer 3 switch from
> them, use linux.
>
> Has anyone used spanning tree under linux? What about the vlan
> tagging? I was thinking about trunking two or three of the switches to
> the linux router (perhaps two routers?).
>
> I see a bridging STP howto, but it basically says STP just works and
> doesn't mention any knobs or config. When was the last time any
> technology did that? :-)
>
> Most of the router projects seem to be aimed at the consumer edge NAT
> devices. Anyone know of a more enterprise-y project?

Try searching for "bridge" instead. Routing is really a layer-3
concept. STP is a layer-2 protocol, it really does 2 things; sort out
where to send data in a multi-path scenario (eg a few bridges/switches
connected in a ring) or gracefully handling accidental bridging loops
(some idiot puts a switch on their desk and inadvertently connects it
to two network uplinks). If neither scenario sounds like it applies,
ignore spanning tree.

Is the proposed linux box going to route, bridge or both? What exactly
is your functional goal; segment the IP network to isolate sections,
provide redundant wiring paths for the Ethernet, etc?
Received on Tue Jun 3 15:44:51 2008