Besides the obvious hardware reliabity issues, is there anything that a
Linux router really can't do that Cisco IOS can? I'm not talking
backbone routers where you use stuff like MPLS, I'm talking less than
100mbit of traffic, non-carrier applications...
Off the top of my head linux can do:
Routing protocols BGP, RIP, OSPF, etc..
Supports ethernet vlans and bridgeing, NAT, async serial, ATM, PPPo*,
etc...
L2-L4 filtering(iptables and ebtables), QoS, etc...
For most applications in this range for the cost of a cisco router and
licencing you can build 2 or more linux routers and have one in
automatic failover. You would still have lots of money to spare. Also
the same linux machines could also be a RADIUS server, DNS, web, etc...
If there is not too much traffic.
Another question is, what can Linux do that IOS can't?
Then there is the issue of training, there isn't a good linux
networking certification. Right now their are lots of cisco certified
people around.
What I'm thinking of is expanding my company into managed networks. Our
company will maintain ownership of the routers and provide them as part
of a service. Then I'd train my own techs to maintain them. I'm looking
to sell a manged network solution for VoIP and thin clients. Ofcourse
we will be deploying multilayer switches, linux routers will be used
where NAT and/or filtering is required. I just can't see much of a case
for the expense of Cisco routers.
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