Networking router inside a building?
Networking router inside a building?
Today I had an unexpected idea, and I wasn't sure if I'd mentioned it before. I own a large PC case with plenty of expansion slots. Why not just use a PCI network router card instead of an external one? The slot would easily accommodate four RJ45 ports, which most routers already have, and it would be more affordable than buying one separately. I could just connect antennas and the bayum. Or maybe I prefer a wired setup. I searched a bit and found something similar: ASUS PCI ROUTER. But it's only a wireless model. Anyone else have thoughts?
You can build a router with almost any operating system. Define the routes and IP addresses you desire on your interfaces. For a user-friendly interface, consider solutions like pfSense or Untangle. Essentially, it functions as a standard Linux machine, so it can run on a regular desktop. The link provided is for a Wi-Fi access card, not a router. Do you require an access point or a full router?
A router serves multiple networking functions. It handles NAT, assigns IP addresses via DHCP, includes an integrated four-port switch, and offers a built-in wireless access point. In reality, you can construct your own router using PC components, such as PFense as the operating system. They also produce four-port network cards. Generally, router hardware is too intricate to fit onto a single chip. The device you referenced is merely a PCIe WiFi card.
it's not so much that they're complex (really, most home routers literally are two or 3 chipsets with some passives around them and a power supply), its just that there really is no market for a router built into a desktop computer. on that topic.. @GM Rod besides the question "why dont they exist", maybe we should ask the question "is there any reason they should exist?"
I'd like to include a router inside my PC to reduce cable clutter and keep things tidy. It would also save me money since it would use my machine's resources, allowing me to purchase a more capable device at a lower cost. Having it onboard would make it easier to transport anywhere. In a compact build like Mini-ITX, it would be impressive to have both the PC and a router in one compact package. During trips I often connected to hotel networks via Ethernet, sharing through my MacBook's WiFi. That was convenient. Now I want the same experience but with a wired connection. It sounds reasonable, especially since the adapter card I posted is the closest match.
Perhaps a few options if it were shown directly to the PC itself via the PCIe bus. However, there are many challenges in preventing problems when the PC switches power states. Why invest so much effort when an external router can be placed centrally and remain unaffected by turning on or off your computer? Moreover, the most problematic spot for WiFi antennas is inside a PC case, which means you’d still need an external access point, defeating the purpose of minimizing cable clutter.