QoS routing usong m0n0wall

[sk3-483]

A few months back I dumped my Linksys router in favour of something new abd netter. I had used a Linksys BEFSR41 for a long time without much trouble. When I stared using voip (Vonage initially, and Asterisk eventually) I switched to a BEFSR81 for its QoS capability. That device had serious firmware issues that would routinely result in the loss of connectivity to the outside world.

The solution to this I found was most elegant...the open source m0n0wall project. http://m0n0.ch/wall/index.php

m0n0wall is a very tweaked version of FreeBSD that acts as a router. It can be deployed on any lame old PC with two network cards. In this instance it boots from CD and stored its configs on a floppy disk so no hard drive is required.

In my case I have elected to use a Soekris embedded 486 system . www.soekris.com This arrangement boots from a CF card which is also used to store the configs.

The web based administration panel is brilliantly easy to use, and the traffic shaping toools have handled my voip activity with ease. The v1.16 beta also includes a traffic graphing feature which has proven useful as I experiment with various codecs and conference bridges.

I heartily recommend m0n0wall to anyone who has router/QoS troubles.

Michael

[rizsher]

A simpler sub-hundred dolllar option is the Linksys WRT54G or GS model router with the Sveasoft firmware. Gets u wireless as well, fairly decent QOS, plus a whole host of other features.

[sk3-483]

I considered this but decided to go another route. Simply put, after the complete failure of Linksys to provide any degree of support for the BEFRS81 I was not about to buy another Linksys product. I stand by that decision.

My experience with m0n0wall has been excellent. I had an old host system around so I could have had a $0 solution, but the Soekris box seemed like a very elegant approach.


Michael

[rizsher]

I'm very sure the Monowall system is definitely a technically better solution, provides more comprehensive bandwidth management etc etc, but, its not for laymen like me, DOS command prompt used to be daunting, the thought of delving into Linux et al is... off putting to say the least. The beauty (or NOT) of the Sveasoft firmware is, the moment u flash it, you've kissed ur linksys support goodbye (except for an RMA!!!). Sveasoft does provide excellent support thru the subscriber forum. I've been using a WRT54GS for over 3 months now, and the basic bandwidth management (c.t Monowall) has been more than sufficient for my VoIP prioirty needs.

[PhoneBoy]

I personally found the Linksys boxes (even with the Sveasoft firmware) too limiting. I need more than the Linux on those routers can provide.

[sk3-483]

Originally Posted by rizsher

I'm very sure the Monowall system is definitely a technically better solution, provides more comprehensive bandwidth management etc etc, but, its not for laymen like me, DOS command prompt used to be daunting, the thought of delving into Linux et al is... off putting to say the least.

There's almost nothing about m0n0wall the requires time spent at a command line. It takes about two minutes to define the NICs basic properties using a null modem cable. After that point it's wholly setup using a web browser interface. In fact, Linksys should pay attention becasue the m0n0wall interface is a masterpiece compared to the BEFSR series.

Michael

[sk3-483]

It seems that Tom's Networking (www.tomsnetworking.com)is running a two part evaluation of m0n0wall. I suggested this to them some months ago after they did a similar review of LEAF.

Michael

[PunchDrunk]

I have a question, hope you guys are still checking this.

I just signed up with VoicePulse (about 10days), and so far I am really happy. However, I also have a webserver and play/host PC internet games (Halo, Tribes, etc). So there is the potential for quite a bit of traffic over my connection, particularly outgoing. Cox recently upgraded there speeds, so that these days I am getting about 3MB down and about 380ish up. But I assume my upload is still slow enough such that the webserver or gaming could interfer with my wife calling her mother. So far the call quality has been great. Only 1 call was bad, and I dont think that had anything to do with my network traffic.

I have an 3 year old Linksys BEFSR41, which I am very happy with. But with some recent security issues, and the lack of QOS, I am considering something else, specifically trying Monowall.

I have an older PC (PIII-500 Mhz) which has Linux installed just to try it out, but it would make nice PC for the router software (actually a bit of over-kill). I think I can get another NIC into it. However, I am always interested in saving money, so, I would like to be able to use the Linksys still, but just as a switch/hub. I assume that I dont need DHCP, NAT or any of the other things.

I haven't really looked, but I should be able to turn this off and just use the router as a traditional switch. By doing this, I could then do some bandwidth managment to give the VoIP line priority.

Just thought I would ask here for any helpful ideas, suggestions before I start into something that might be over my head.

Thanks in advance.

[sk3-483]

Sure, you can do this...but why? You can get a simple 5 port switch at places like Fry's or MicroCenter for under $20. Pricewatch.com shows 8-16 port switches for under $30 if you can live with a non-brand name device.

Also, if you use the wan port on the router to upkink to the pc/router then you will likely be double NAT'd. That will very likely cause problems with SIP based connections, not so much for IAX.

Michael

[ichilton]

Hi,

A few people have mentioned m0n0wall to me recently so I think i'll give it a try.

I'd be interested in how you set it up for VoIP though.


Thanks

--ian