I just moved into my new place and will get my DSL soon. I now need a (W)LAN router and DSL modem (or router with integrated modem).

 

I saw that many routers these days come with USB ports for external hard drives, NAT option, streaming option, etc. At that point I started wondering...

1) whether I actually need a router or could let the unRaid server do it?

2) what technology/router I need with regards to the unRaid server I will be setting up, eg. do I actually need all that NAT and streaming options? Do I need USB ports? Or will all this be provided be the unRaid server and a cheap router without much extras would do it?

3) how the overall network actually would look like, ie. what different components do I need: DSL modem, (W)LAN router, PCI cards, etc.

A router is a router... Means its meant to sent network traffic from one port to another and give you (thru dhcp) the necessary network information to make your clients work...

 

All added printers / usb drives / webservices are addons that router manufacturers build in to make their product more interesting to buyers.

 

When you have an unraid system you do not need an attached harddisk to your router.. Unless you ofcourse have some very special requirements (some people like their unraid system off most of the time but need something to be on to get at the data you need more often).

 

Its easier if you describe what you would want to do with your setup, from that point you can match the appropriate technology.. That is probably more easy then starting out with all technology and trying to match them to your needs..

I just moved into my new place and will get my DSL soon. I now need a (W)LAN router and DSL modem (or router with integrated modem).

 

I saw that many routers these days come with USB ports for external hard drives, NAT option, streaming option, etc. At that point I started wondering...

1) whether I actually need a router or could let the unRaid server do it?

2) what technology/router I need with regards to the unRaid server I will be setting up, eg. do I actually need all that NAT and streaming options? Do I need USB ports? Or will all this be provided be the unRaid server and a cheap router without much extras would do it?

3) how the overall network actually would look like, ie. what different components do I need: DSL modem, (W)LAN router, PCI cards, etc.

 

Yes, you need a router if you want to connect more than one computer to the Internet.  A router will also assign each computer on the network with an IP address.  (Without this service, you will have to assign unique static IP addresses to each computer.) 

 

You NEED an NAT to prevent the entire world from being able to access your unRAID server (and possibly every other computer in your house).

 

Most routers are plug-it-in-and-use-it devices for most users.  No settings are required beyond changing the default password which gives access to the settings menu.  However, if your router has WIFI built-in, you also need to setup a password (DON"T use you house number, phone number, or last name) on the WIFI service to prevent people from outside of your home using your Internet connection.  (A couple of years ago, there was a local man accused of downloading child pornography when his wide-open WIFI connection was tapped into by a neighbor.  Needless to say, he had a most unpleasant experience before the issue was resolved!)

 

Basically, you plug one end of a cat5E cable to the WLAN socket on the router and the other end to the modem.  You then run a seperate cat5E cable from the router to each computer in your home and turn everything on.  That is all you have to do...

Thanks for your responses. I should have made my question more clear.

 

First, let me tell that I know the basic function and functionality of a router and how to set it up. What I don't know (or am sure about) is:

 

- Do I need a router (and modem) or could an unRaid server provide the same functionality? I heard before that people use Linux servers as a router/firewall..

- If I need a router, do I need a specific one or will just any wifi router do it (ie. same setup that I'm using without having an unRaid server)? For example, do I need specific ports, features, etc. or can I just pick any reasonably priced router from all the FritzBoxes, D-Links, etc.

 

For a better understanding, my setup would be a simple media server setup that probably most of the users here want to achieve. A simple home network with a printer attached to the network and an unRaid server that serves media files to several (HT)PCs, acts as a central file and backup server for the home network and possibly also in the long run converts media files for I-devices/mobile.

 

I'm asking because I'm moving into a new place and therefore have to setup a new home network anyways and thus want to make sure before if I need anything specific that is different from using just a simple DSL modem and wifi router.

I can't answer regarding using the unRAID box as a router.

 

As far as what kind of external router to get, assuming you go that route, you'll have to decide what features you need and what features you don't.  About the only feature I will throw out there that is a must is gigabit ethernet ports on the router.  Some current routers still have 100 megabit ports.

 

As far as a recommendation, I have the Asus RT-N66U and couldn't be happier.  It is a fantastic router.  I've had many Netgear, Linksys, D-Link, etc., routers over the years and this Asus blows them all away by miles.  It has a number of features I don't need and don't use (USB ports for printers, NAS, etc.) but I bought this router for the simultaneous dual-band WiFi and gigabit ethernet.

Thanks for your responses. I should have made my question more clear.

 

First, let me tell that I know the basic function and functionality of a router and how to set it up. What I don't know (or am sure about) is:

 

- Do I need a router (and modem) or could an unRaid server provide the same functionality? I heard before that people use Linux servers as a router/firewall..

- If I need a router, do I need a specific one or will just any wifi router do it (ie. same setup that I'm using without having an unRaid server)? For example, do I need specific ports, features, etc. or can I just pick any reasonably priced router from all the FritzBoxes, D-Links, etc.

 

For a better understanding, my setup would be a simple media server setup that probably most of the users here want to achieve. A simple home network with a printer attached to the network and an unRaid server that serves media files to several (HT)PCs, acts as a central file and backup server for the home network and possibly also in the long run converts media files for I-devices/mobile.

 

I'm asking because I'm moving into a new place and therefore have to setup a new home network anyways and thus want to make sure before if I need anything specific that is different from using just a simple DSL modem and wifi router.

 

Your unRAID server cannot be used as a router/firewall as no plugins (or add-in apps) exist.  (Of course, if you have the chops in Linux to built these packages and install them into the Slackware distribution, anything is possible.)  Plus if your unRAID box were to be used a router, you would have no WIFI.  And I think you would still need a switch and a second NIC in the server.

 

There are no special requirements for the router EXCEPT that your final network should a Gb one.  (You will have to see exactly what arrangement your DLS provider has on the modem.  You might get it 'free' (included in your monthly charges) or be given the option of renting or purchasing your own.)  You haven't really said how many devices you intend to have on this proposed network.  Three or fifteen?  The number of devices does make a difference.  With three devices, you can get by with just a router/switch.  With five (wired) or more devices, you will also need a Gb switch.  (By the way, if you use a Gb switch, you can get by with 100mb router as your DSL connection will be much, much less than 100Mb!) 

 

When looking at routers, read the reviews.  Try to buy one that doesn't have a lot of complaints about quality and reliability.  If you are truly going to use the WIFI connection on a regular basis, look at comments about range and  throughput.  (Wired connections are always more reliable and faster than any WIFI connection!!!  Use wired whenever possible!)  Switches are a simpler  device and seem to have (in general) few issues. 

 

You don't need any type of 'managed' router or switch.  If you did need any of those features, you would already be aware of the situation. 

Thanks for your responses. I should have made my question more clear.

 

First, let me tell that I know the basic function and functionality of a router and how to set it up. What I don't know (or am sure about) is:

 

- Do I need a router (and modem) or could an unRaid server provide the same functionality? I heard before that people use Linux servers as a router/firewall..

- If I need a router, do I need a specific one or will just any wifi router do it (ie. same setup that I'm using without having an unRaid server)? For example, do I need specific ports, features, etc. or can I just pick any reasonably priced router from all the FritzBoxes, D-Links, etc.

 

For a better understanding, my setup would be a simple media server setup that probably most of the users here want to achieve. A simple home network with a printer attached to the network and an unRaid server that serves media files to several (HT)PCs, acts as a central file and backup server for the home network and possibly also in the long run converts media files for I-devices/mobile.

 

I'm asking because I'm moving into a new place and therefore have to setup a new home network anyways and thus want to make sure before if I need anything specific that is different from using just a simple DSL modem and wifi router.

 

Yes, you need a router. Unless you want to go completely frankeinstein and add 10+ things to your unraid box to get stuff to work. All of that stuff will then only work when your unraid box is switched on and you also will need to figure out how to do it yourself 100%

 

You do not need a special router, any router will do. Your unraid server is just a "pc" as far as the router is concerned, nothing special needed.

 

For what you want to do you need nothing more then basic stock unraid. If you expand lateron your network will not need to change.

 

One thing you might want to make sure off is that your network is 1GB capable (so a router with 1GB switchports).

 

Success !

If your service provider allows you free choice of modem/router, then almost any device should be okay.  Does your provider supply a unit?

 

I would hesitate to use the unRAID hardware as the router although it would, technically, be feasible.  For a start, it may be that some plugins require Internet access during installation - this wouldn't work if your Internet access wasn't available until unRAID had finished booting.  A dedicated unit (even if Linux-based) will, potentially, have a better uptime than your unRAID server.  Take your unRAID server down for maintenance/upgrade, all devices would loose Intenet connectivity.  A dedicated device will boot up, and be available, more quickly (important if you need the dhcp capability).  With a vast availability of dedicated devices, a PC/Linux solution is really only applicable to the 'techno-nerd'.

 

A gigabit-capable router is only essential if you are using it as a switch (to connect multiple devices) - you certainly don't need gigabit to support the dsl traffic.

 

From what you write, you are getting an adsl (as opposed to dsl) connection, so the recommendation for the Asus rt-n66u would leave you still requiring a separate modem.

 

I have always used Draytek Vigor products and have been very satisfied with them (I was a distributor for Draytek in UK).  They offer both adsl and dsl devices.

I wouldn't use an unRAID box as a router, whether it was possible or not. 

Thanks for your replies. Especially the advise regarding getting a gb router which I probably wouldn't have made sure.

 

My network will be pretty simple:

 

There will be one unRaid server and a printer serving the following devices:

- 1-3 (HT)PC via Ethernet cable (I will start with one main HTPC for the living room and might add a second one for the sleeping room later on, the third one is not realistic but could be an option in the long run)

- 1-2 normal PCs via wifi (mainly my notebook; a second PC is unlikely coz I will use the HTPC for desktop tasks too)

- iPhone via wifi

- iPad via wifi

- occasionally maybe the computers or mobiles from guests visiting 

 

My telco provider can provide me a FRITZ!Box 7390 for 5€ more per month or a fixed amount that is roughly the same I would pay on Amazon. The FRITZ!Box 7390 is a wifi router with an integrated DSL modem, but afaik doesn't come with ethernets ports; not sure about gb functionality either. So I decided to buy a router (and, if needed, modem and switch as well) myself.

 

My connection won't be VDSL, but 16000 Mbit which I think must be ADSL then.

 

I am based in Germany so I would need products available here.

 

Any recommendations what

- router and, if needed,

- modem (think I still have my old DSL modem that my former DSL provider gave me) and

- switch

I should get?

I looked up the FRITZ!Box 7390 and is has a router built in, WIFI and four Gb Ethernet ports (for Cat5E or Cat 6 cables).  So with your setup as listed in your post, you should be OK with just the FRITZ!Box 7390. 

 

As you added more wired devices in the future, you will need to purchase a Gb Switch at that point.  (I would not buy any switch with less than 8 ports on it!) 

 

You are attaching a lot of devices via WIFI.  It is important to realize that WIFI speed drops drastically as the traffic increases.  This is because the bandwidth is shared and data collisions will require re-transmissions of data packets. 

+1 for the fritzbox...

 

....the 7390 comes with internal DECT base and supports internal voip/SIP clients, like your IOS or Android smartphne via WLAN for telephony.

 

Any other router you can recommend? Didn't find any good deals in eBay yet so wanna look for other products.

...in Germany, a Fritz is a good choice.

AVM just put out a "new classic", the 3272...upgraded to wireless N, 2xUSB (2.0) and with 2x GBit LAN inside the switch...around EUR95,- all-in...not too bad.

Get a gigabit Lan. I am using belkin n750db its alright but I find it lacking some features I need. You can check a router that support dd-wrt to maximize your router.

I'm partial to Apple's AirPort series of routers They are surprisingly powerful and customizable. I've owned 3 over the years and recommend them to family and friends.

 

They are a bit pricey but you can find deals on eBay sometimes, as well as Apple's refurbished section of their online store. Definitely worth the price IMO. The only other router I would even consider is a custom built pfSense box.

Not very configurable though, an airport express..

 

I used to have a dd-wrt router and was pretty happy with it. Now stepped over to a router with a better wifi range and happy with that, it cannot run dd-wrt but it does a better job at qos then dd-wrt and that is pretty important with nzb / torrents..

 

Now using a Linksys E4200 V2. Happy with it ! I did have to find a solution for my vpn server (used to run on the dd-wrt), it now runs as a seperate vm.

I use a MikroTik router and it's extremely customization. Here's a demo page:-

http://demo.mt.lv/

http://demo2.mt.lv/

 

 

Not had an issue with it, nice quality, has a built in LCD screen for monitoring it, has the lights, etc...

 

Anyway:-

1) whether I actually need a router or could let the unRaid server do it?

 

I wouldn't suggest using unraid to be your router, simply for the fact that:-

A. Unraid wasn't made for security

B. Unraid doesn't really have any software to do anything like that (DHCP servers, wireless access point software, arp from a gateway point, QoS, etc...)

 

2) what technology/router I need with regards to the unRaid server I will be setting up, eg. do I actually need all that NAT and streaming options? Do I need USB ports? Or will all this be provided be the unRaid server and a cheap router without much extras would do it? 

 

You'd need NAT capability, obviously, however, you wouldn't need any USB ports/streaming/port forwarding/DNS/DHCP/scripting/watching options, however, they're all recommended.

 

3) how the overall network actually would look like, ie. what different components do I need: DSL modem, (W)LAN router, PCI cards, etc.

 

Modem goes to ISP?

Router goes to modem

everything goes to router

 

That's pretty much the average home set-up.

Not very configurable though, an airport express..

 

I used to have a dd-wrt router and was pretty happy with it. Now stepped over to a router with a better wifi range and happy with that, it cannot run dd-wrt but it does a better job at qos then dd-wrt and that is pretty important with nzb / torrents..

 

Now using a Linksys E4200 V2. Happy with it ! I did have to find a solution for my vpn server (used to run on the dd-wrt), it now runs as a seperate vm.

 

Yes it doesn't have as many ports as the Extreme but it's every bit as configurable. I have both.

Have to bring this topic up again. Still didn't buy any router since I had to put the mediaserver project on hold for a while (furnishing a new place does take time ummm....)

 

I'm about to upgrade to a 50.000 kBit/s VDSL. Which one of the Fritz!Boxes should I get (i. e. which one is advanced enough for an unRaid setup as described above but without the bells and whistles that I don't need)? The products range from appr. €119-€300: http://www.avm.de/en/Produkte/FRITZBox/index.html

The ISP's usually offer you a nice bundle consisting of contract + hardware.

Not for lease but for a little extra.

If not, then get yourself a 7390 for ~110€ or the latest top-of-the-line model 7490 for ~220€.

 

 

The ISP's usually offer you a nice bundle consisting of contract + hardware.

 

The ISP I'm considering to use is offering me a rebranded FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN 7330SL/7360 (WLAN router with 2x LAN, DECT base station for 6 DECT + 1 fixed line phone, 2x USB) for 49€. Would that be enough? Or do I need the 7390?

7360: http://www.avm.de/en/Produkte/FRITZBox/FRITZ_Box_7360/index.php

7390: http://www.avm.de/en/Produkte/FRITZBox/FRITZ_Box_Fon_WLAN_7390/index.php

Do you have a seperate switch to use?

 

I would take that router they are offering you, then connect a nice 5/8 port switch behind it, then plug all your wired devices into that.

 

That device has 4 lan ports, but only 2 are GB. So i'd get a GB switch and connect everythign to that, then it to the router. Use the built in wifi on the router.

 

If you start to have issue with wifi/ethernet/etc, then you might look at a more powerful router/etc.

 

What do you do with your internet, do you use anything aggressive, like torrents/newsgroups/etc or is it just your run of the mill usage with lots of media rips stored on UNRAID instead?

Have you tried to upgrade to a 7390?

That one gives you 4 GB LAN ports.

You have to ask your ISP for an offer.

 

The 7360 is the "little brother" but has also 4 LAN ports. (2x GB-LAN and 2xFast Ethernet)

For streaming HD content to your HTPC's a fast ethernet is sufficient.

The GB ports should connect your main PC and unRAID.

 

We don't know your other requirements beside that (phones)...

But for your unRAID and multimedia usage the 7360 is probably sufficient.

 

We don't know your other requirements beside that (phones)...

Can you be more specific what more information I should provide? I will do so then - just need to know what information is needed.

 

What do you do with your internet, do you use anything aggressive, like torrents/newsgroups/etc or is it just your run of the mill usage with lots of media rips stored on UNRAID instead?

Indeed I will reactivate my usenet account and use something like SABnzbd. So, yes, I would say that there will be aggressive downloading 24/7. Apart from that it's normal internet usage, maybe streaming something every once in a while, and serving media rips to the devices, of course.

 

That in mind, is the router they're offering me not good enough?