[ale] Network hardware/software recommendations

[Ken Cochran]

I have (1st thing) & that's sorta the "basis" of my q but I
must be doing it wrong b/c I'm not finding those msg-threads. :/
Wondered if any "updates" too.
Originally I figured kinda OT but in learning so much of this
stuff is Linux-based these days, it might just be relevant here.
Agreed on Intel NICs, used to be Digital but I think Intel got
that IP/tech when DEC sold out, & I'd guess they've improved
it since.  -k

> To: ale at ale.org
> Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:39:10 -0400
> Subject: Re: [ale] Network hardware/software recommendations
> From: DJ-Pfulio via Ale <ale at ale.org>
> 
> Have you looked in the ALE email archives?
> Every few months a similar question is asked and options provided.
> If you build your own, my only advice is to use Intel NICs.
> 
> On 08/21/2018 11:56 AM, Ken Cochran via Ale wrote:
> > Ok, guess I should get more specific...
> >
> > Looking for Good Stuff for commercial/business/SOHO.
> >
> > I like the idea of separating the router, switch & radio/AP,
> > like how the Bigs do it.
> >
> > I also like (actually prefer) CLI config, but GUI ok as option,
> > just not GUI-only..
> >
> > So this leads me to the following (could use some input/commentary):
> >
> > - Juniper is Big Stuff for backbone, not SOHO.
> >
> > - Cisco, good but CLI only for higher end eqpt & looks like
> >   their Good Stuff is expensive & more for enterprise(?)
> >
> > - Ubiquiti looks interesting; I hear good about them, separate
> >   functions per above, CLI config throughout product line(?),
> >   nice step up from the Stuff We Get In Stores?
> >
> > - Option of custom-building & "rolling my own" router-distro
> >   a la Smoothwall, pfSense, whatever.  Looks like good bit of
> >   research/due diligence getting proper hw for that.
> >
> > So I guess my q is what have folks here done & liked?  Or not...
> >
> > Thanks again, -Ken
> >
> >> To: ale at ale.org
> >> Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:32:26 -0400
> >> Subject: Re: [ale] Network hardware/software recommendations
> >> From: Simba via Ale <ale at ale.org>
> >> Reply-To: Simba <simbalion-ale at tailpuff.net>,
> >>         Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts <ale at ale.org>
> >>
> >> Depends on your purpose.
> >>
> >> For home networking I like Netgear. For your gateway router I recommend
> >> installing Advanced Tomato, so investigate hardware that is compatible.
> >>
> >> For an office it's an entirely different game. Small 4-8 port Netgear
> >> switches are fine at the desk level but you need industrial grade
> >> equipment in the server room. All the brands you named are fine (Cisco,
> >> Juniper, Ubiquiti).
> >>
> >> GUIs are worthless. If you're wiring up an office forget about GUIs. If
> >> you need a GUI you're under-qualified to wire up an office network.
> >>
> >> Simba Lion - https://tailpuff.net
> >> https://keybase.io/simbalion
> >>
> >> "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"
> >> On 8/20/18 6:28 PM, Ken Cochran via Ale wrote:
> >>> Hi ALE,
> >>>
> >>> Turns out my question may be not so off-topic, since so much
> >>> networking stuff these days has Linux-based software innards.
> >>>
> >>> So, what's "good" these days?
> >>>
> >>> "Good" meaning, solid, reliable, flexible, etc., dare-I-say
> >>> "carrier grade" (probably a bs-term).
> >>>
> >>> Examples, the likes of Cisco, Juniper, umm, Ubiquiti, others?
> >>>
> >>> Stuff like routers, switches & WAPs, configurable by GUI
> >>> and/or CLI, worth learning & developing proficiency for
> >>> job/opportunity advancement.
> >>>
> >>> I keep hearing nice things about Ubiquiti for example.
> >>>
> >>> Or, the likes of (for example) Smoothwall & Something To Run It On...
> >>>
> >>> Ideas/opinions?
> >>>
> >>> Thanks, -Ken