Using an old router as a server

[Ryan McCoskrie]

After changing from ADSL-1 to ADSL-2 I've been left with an old D-Link router
sitting around doing nothing. Does anyone know if it is possible to install a
new OS on these things? Or at least reconfigure them to being a simple HTTP
server and not a router at all?

[Tomislav]

Post by Ryan McCoskrie
After changing from ADSL-1 to ADSL-2 I've been left with an old D-Link router
sitting around doing nothing. Does anyone know if it is possible to install a
new OS on these things? Or at least reconfigure them to being a simple HTTP
server and not a router at all?

Yes, if you don't mind the CPU/RAM limitations.

http://openwrt.org/
http://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/start#d-link

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[Steve Holdoway]

Post by Ryan McCoskrie
After changing from ADSL-1 to ADSL-2 I've been left with an old D-Link router
sitting around doing nothing. Does anyone know if it is possible to install a
new OS on these things? Or at least reconfigure them to being a simple HTTP
server and not a router at all?

It's possible that the router will be supported with OpenWRT and/or
similar. I'm assuming that the upgrade came with a free router, which is
why you changed. If it only supports ADSL-1, then it's probable that
it's both too slow and too old to be reliable enough for a server, and
any USB ports on it may only be USB1...

I'd just keep it as a spare, if you can get it configured right.
Especially if you can get WRT to run on it.

Steve

[Jaco]

Post by Steve Holdoway
I'd just keep it as a spare, if you can get it configured right.

Especially if you can get WRT to run on it. S

I think the *WRT firmaware generally work on Wifi AP, rather on DSL
routers, but it's worth a check; make 110% sure re hardware model &
version numbers & do loads of reading-up before attempting a flash,
since bricking is a distinct possibility.

dd-wrt is nice & simple, but openwrt & tomato are highly customizable.

- J

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[Ryan McCoskrie]

Post by Steve Holdoway
It's possible that the router will be supported with OpenWRT and/or
similar.

I read up on the OpenWRT site (thanks for sending me there Tomislav),
the particular model's support is marked as "Work In Progress".

Post by Steve Holdoway
I'm assuming that the upgrade came with a free router, which is
why you changed. If it only supports ADSL-1,

Officially it supports ADSL 2+, but pretty much everyone in Amberley
who have had broadband for around four years have needed to buy a new
router of the local computer shop. I don't think Telecom have a clue just
how incompetent they are...

Post by Steve Holdoway
then it's probable that it's both too slow and too old to be reliable enough
for a server, and any USB ports on it may only be USB1...
I'd just keep it as a spare, if you can get it configured right.
Especially if you can get WRT to run on it.

There aren't any firm plans to use it seriously but I need something to
experiment on and it's cheaper to leave running than a PC.