On 09/01/2019 08:19, John Harris wrote:
On Wednesday, January 9, 2019 3:14:25 AM EST Terry Barnaby wrote:
I know you asked for Fedora, but a standard, low cost router, running OpenWRT, https://openwrt.org/, would likely be better for the tasks you mention. OpenWRT is a minimal Linux system with the ability to install extra packages. It has a simple to use WEB admin system and can do all the things you mention.
I cannot think of any reason not to use ones distro of choice as their gateway and/or VPN. I personally use a system Fedora (well, Fedora + Freed-ora- freedom) for my router and VPN. OpenWRT is not inherently better than Fedora, and there are many benefits of using Fedora over OpenWRT.
I agree there are pros in using a system you know and use on as many things as possible. I use Fedora on multiple servers, workstation, webservers, backup servers etc. However there are a few cons in use Fedora for such tasks, my particular cons for this task are:
1. Fedora is big and bloated for small/low powered hardware that can be used for this task and low energy usage is important in my opinion for 24/7 systems.
2. Fedora is complex for such a task.
3. Fedora hasn't a simple web interface to manage the particular functionality that a simple router like device needs.
4. Fedora's aggressive new "feature" release cycle is painful for such low level infrastructure.
5. Other Linux systems have been designed to easily install on small router like hardware easily and be easily used. As long as it is OpenSource and Linux most of someone's knowledge of Fedora will be applicable.
Terry