[rescue] analog routers...

[Shannon]

On Sun, Aug 24, 2003 at 09:46:53AM -0700, Robert Novak wrote:

> There's a difference between "a monitor" and "graphics." Unless you're
> using Windows, of course. Redhat, SuSE, Debian, OpenBSD, NetBSD, FreeBSD,
> Solaris can all install from a text console. 

Yes, but they still need a graphics card.

When I said "graphics" I was referring to this requirement.

It's virtually impossible, without ISA slots, to avoid having graphics
on a PC.

> > I don't really want anything appliance-like, I just want something
> > small that works good, and I don't want a PC.
> 
> You do want something appliance-like, then. 

I assume you mean a consumer grade router/gateway when you say
"appliance". That isn't the only option I'm considering. 

I asked about them because I don't know much about them. I've only
worked with rackmounted networking gear and servers doing the gateway
function.

The thing attractive about the "appliance" is not the lack of hacking,
since that's actually a downside, but the small size and power use.

A PC is out because I want something headless, and if I got a PC it
would have to replace the current Sun system. No room or power for
another machine like that.

I came really close to getting a Magma card, but at the time I was still
not sure about the drivers for NetBSD.

> I've heard good things about the BSD and Linux serial drivers on even
> Sun4c stuff. 

A Sun4c can do over 38400?

The SS5 can do 76800 under NetBSD, but its an interrupt storm, and few
modems support this DTE speed. The ELSA modems do, and that's all I know
about so far.

-- 
UNIX/Perl/C/Pizza__________________________________shannon at widomaker.com