- #1
sergeyrar
- 10
- 0
Hi,
I want to build a router from scratch
Does anyone have a good guide to help me get started ?
Thanks,
I want to build a router from scratch
Does anyone have a good guide to help me get started ?
Thanks,
Then I guess you will have seen the level of complexity of the PCBs that are used in commercial routers. Do you have access to suitable equipment to manufacture a circuit yourself?sergeyrar said:And I work as a router testing engineer.. so I have a basic understanding of their architecture.
meBigGuy said:I don't know what the best online resource is to learn C (if that is what you were thinking you would get from that link). I would look for an online lecture series, like college courses. You should search this forum's programming section, or possibly post there. For example https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/programming-resources.15689/
The link you posted is somewhat "relevant", but there is not much content there.
learning C is one thing
learning operating system functions is another
learning driver structures is another
and it goes on and on
I'm a hardware designer, so I could go on and on about what you need to know there. But, you need to get some firmware under your belt in order to understand your hardware requirements.
Take a look at the dd-wrt source code. You will actually learn a lot just trying to download the latest build.
I think you would have more fun (and it is much more realistic) if you tried to work with and contribute to the dd-wrt community. You might even be able to help them with testing.
You have a lot to learn, and that will get you inside a real router.
Not even close. It just tells you a little bit about the top level of a C program and a super simple program. It's hard for me to relate to how you arrived at that statement.sergeyrar said:It's a general guide on how to build a computer.
I have a feeling that, by the time you learn 'all' about making one, they could be old technology. These things are done by teams of Engineers, each with their own expertise (and equipment).sergeyrar said:I know it is extremely complex.
I didn't say I want it done by tomorrow.
I have a lot of free time now, so I can put the effort.. I have you. I have google.. I have brain( hope enough).
It is a challenge... and it will take me years.. I don't mind.
Averagesupernova said:From a computer systems perspective I seriously doubt anyone considers that building a desktop computer from scratch would consist of buying the monitor, tower, speakers, mouse, keyboard, cabling, speakers, etc. and just plugging them in.
There aren't usually any bright lines to tell you this. To some extent, accumulated knowledge can be (and is ) used in a variety of different fields.sergeyrar said:I know it is kind of a wide topic ( to build a router), but I feel I'm missing something.. I don't feel like I did something great just by being an expert in a small field of something huge.
By the way..
where is the boundary of a specific field? when does one feel he crossed it?..
I do it just for fun and learning, not to say "I built a router"SteamKing said:There aren't usually any bright lines to tell you this. To some extent, accumulated knowledge can be (and is ) used in a variety of different fields.
Building a router is a little like wanting to build a bridge: if the bridge is small, you can probably pull it off. If you want to build a copy of the Golden Gate Bridge, that's a little more ambitious.
Most routers sold today are not built up from a bunch of discrete components, like resistors or single transistors, and stuff. The router function is provided by custom-designed integrated circuits and probably some software burned into a ROM. Sure, you could buy a router, take it apart, and re-assemble the components, but that's just mechanics.
It's not clear what your goal is here, except to say, "I built a router."
sergeyrar said:I do it just for fun and learning, not to say "I built a router"
I think it will be fun.. and interesting.
And If I pull it off, maybe I'll start something else
puf_the_majic_dragon said:I'm a little disappointed in most of these responses. Sergeyrar is clearly doing this as a learning exercise for fun, which means the end goal is not something nearly as complex as a Cisco 4000 ISR. I get it - I do the same thing. Why use something someone else already built when I can build it myself and learn something?
Like I have been saying since post #6?cosmik debris said:Svein's approach if I understand it correctly would be a good way to go. You can get open source software for many of the commercial home routers, wired and wireless, and see how they work. We do this sort of thing, that is take a consumer router and modify the software for specific purposes (robotics etc). It's a good starting place.
And as I said in post #4?meBigGuy said:Like I have been saying since post #6?
You should probably dissect routers and similar equipment to learn how they work.
What do YOU want to get out of this project. As you've seen there are many many options. Did you want to learn olny software? put together a hardware system? use an FPGA to make your own hardware?sergeyrar said:I do it just for fun and learning, not to say "I built a router"
I think it will be fun.. and interesting.
And If I pull it off, maybe I'll start something else
Averagesupernova said:And as I said in post #4?
meBigGuy said:LOL --- I was complaining about your post 27 when I quoted it in post 28. Did you even notice that? Do you even read this stuff?
I didn't count Averagesupernova's post 4 because he didn't provide any specific helpful information. (I want to build a router --- OK, study some routers)
Anyway, I think the consensus is clear. Download some router firmware and start dissecting it. I happen to like dd-wrt, but maybe there are simpler implementations to start with.
To build a router from scratch, you will need a microcontroller, a power supply, an Ethernet controller, a network interface card, and a router software. You may also need additional components such as resistors, capacitors, and LEDs depending on the specific design of your router.
While prior knowledge and experience in networking and electronics can be helpful, it is not necessary. Building a router from scratch can be a great learning experience for beginners and there are plenty of online resources and tutorials available to guide you through the process.
The amount of time it takes to build a router from scratch can vary depending on your level of experience and the complexity of your design. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete the project.
Yes, one of the advantages of building a router from scratch is the ability to customize it according to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the components, design the circuit, and program the software to include the features and functions you desire.
It depends on the specific components and materials you choose to use. In some cases, building a router from scratch can be more cost-effective, especially if you have some of the necessary components already. However, if you are looking for a basic router with standard features, buying a pre-made router may be a more affordable option.