Open Source Routers

I don't think many people have heared about that Open Source Router Software called GNU Zebra.

"Zebra is a routing software package that provides TCP/IP based routing services with routing protocols support such as RIP, OSPF and BGP. Zebra also supports special BGP Route Reflector and Route Server behavior. In addition to traditional IPv4 routing protocols, Zebra also supports IPv6 routing protocols. With SNMP daemon which supports SMUX protocol, Zebra provides routing protocol management information bases", Wikipedia

But it seems that Open Source routers are on their way once more. According to NetworkWorld, an emerging company called Vyatta will offers a free, open source WAN router software image and announced the first beta version of the software at the end of February.

"The company says it will eventually give large and midsize enterprises a way to deploy routed WANs at as much as 90% the cost of a Cisco- or Juniper-based network", NetworkWorld

But the point is that the can offer the Open Source Software, but what about the Hardware? What about the Routing Engines, the various Interfaces, etc.? Also can an ordinary PC with Intel Based PC with running Linux handle the traffic load of an ISP? Tags: FOSS, Networking, Gr33n Data