Embedded Linux Router

Abstract

The goal of project was to show that a working router could be developed using readily available embedded devices and readily available software under the Linux operating system. The project also brought two multi-disciplines together, which are networking and embedded engineering. The project also tried to highlight the reusability of readily available software that is on the Internet. The project was carried out firstly by defining the functions a router does and which functions are meant for industrial and small home routers: the additional services it needs to offer more value to the user and later defining the software and drivers needed for all this to be able to work properly. The additional software installed were Webmin for providing a graphical user interface and a way of configuring the dreamplug, bird routing software for handling the dynamic routing protocols. The other applications used were word editors for editing the configuration files. The functionality of the router was tested both through systematic troubleshooting of the network files some of which, with any change made were fatal while others rendered the dreamplug unresponsive. The router worked and some of the tools used were iperf, netstat, ipconfig among those found in the Linux networking utilities. The results showed that the dreamplug can handle as much as necessary for a Small Office Home Office type of ecosystem. The project also showed that there is more than openly available software to ensure proper running and routing of software.