[svlug] non-Linux DHCP server

[William R Ward]

Florin Andrei writes:
>Ok, I'm tired of maintaining a Linux box just to assign DHCP addresses
>on a small network. It's not a big deal, but it needs to be a _zero_
>deal (no upgrades, no failing hard-drives, lower power consumption,
>etc.)
>
>I'm thinking to get a Linksys router or something like that to act as a
>DHCP server.
>What would you guys do in this case?

Here's my philosophy: If you are a hobbyist and like to tinker with
things, then running a customized firewall, DHCP server, etc. is fine.
But these days, routers are so cheap and worry-free that there's no
other reason not to use them.  On a small business or home network, a
Linksys or similar will do an excellent job.  On a larger business
network a Cisco or similar router is more appropriate but it's the
same idea.  Let the dedicated hardware take care of things like DHCP
and firewalling, unless you *enjoy* managing it by hand.

--Bill.

PS: I was at CompUSA (formerly Good Guys) in E Palo Alto the other day,
and they have a Linksys router with Vonage included that is free after
rebates (if you turn in an old router; $50 otherwise).  If you like
Vonage, you can't beat that deal with a stick.

-- 
William R Ward               bill at wards.net             http://bill.wards.net
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