Date: Tue, 10 Jan 1995 22:38:27 +0200 From: Heikki Suonsivu <hsu@cs.hut.fi> To: Robert Michael Gorichanaz <wraith@csd.uwm.edu> Cc: freebsd-hackers@freefall.cdrom.com Subject: FreeBSD as an IP Router Message-ID: <199501102038.AA07702@laphroaig.cs.hut.fi> In-Reply-To: Robert Michael Gorichanaz's message of 10 Jan 1995 20:00:13 %2B0200
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I'm looking to use a PC running FreeBSD as a router/gateway on a small
network. Question is, what kinda CPU horsepower do I really need to
forward packets between half a dozen 'puters? Do I need a 486dx50? or
is that overkill; can I get away with a 386-40 or a 486-33?
At least on FreeBSD 1.1.5.1 it doesn't seem to be the CPU speed which sets
the limit. For some reason, it can only forward packets at half of the
speed which it can pump out of its interfaces. We see about
400-450kbytes/s which has been enough this far. If we ftp directly from
the router, we get full 800-900kbytes/s. The ethernet cards are either
NE2000 clones or SMC's (elite or ultra).
We have got a 386-40 serving 5 interfaces and 4 16550 serial ports (28.8k
modems). Two of the ethernet interfaces are heavily loaded. Couple of
other similar machines are used as smaller routers. The systems are pretty
standard, a scratch install of FreeBSD, new kernel with all the interfaces,
master.passwd, fstab, gated, similar stuff to get a minimal environment.
It works but I think we are close to the limit.
I'm going to be using 16-bit bus-mastering ethernet cards, if that helps.
Your suggestions are appreciated.
Metoo, I'm searching for good ideas to beef these things up a bit. In
particular, I would like to get more than one port in a slot, and better
performance in forwarding.
--
Heikki Suonsivu, T{ysikuu 10 C 83/02210 Espoo/FINLAND,
hsu@cs.hut.fi home +358-0-8031121 work -4513377 fax -4555276 riippu SN
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