Calling on the networking experts on this one.

We just got a T1 line. I understand we need to supply our own T1 router.

I've looked at this combo:

Cisco 2610 Router
Cisco 1-Port T1 CSU/DSU Card, WIC-1DSU-T1

The WIC slides into the back of the router.

However, I was just wondering if I could use Linux to build such a router.

Can one find a PCI/PCI-Express card that could be used on a Linux machine?

If so, where can I find a howto on configuring such a Linux machine to work with the T1 line? Also, some specific cards to purchase would be appreciated.

Be gentle, as I've never done anything in this area before.

TIA.

I have to tell you as someone who's done both the performance is better on a cisco router and believe it or not less expensive once you factor in time and future expansion of the network.

Regards,
JKZfixme

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Can performance really be better on a cisco router?
I would have expected that a Linux box with faster cpu/ram equals faster performance?

Is cisco IOS better than Linux in packet transfers, since that is what it all boils down to?

Frankly, I'll take your advice and purchase the cisco router. However, can you point me in the direction of how to use Linux to build a T1 router? I'm just interested in exploring that angle.

As far as performence its really a question of how much time you dedicate to streamlining the OS, and what hardware you would use. Heres a couple of sites if your just interested in theory. Here & here however the main problem is the interface for a T1 CSU/DSU for a cisco is cheap for a pc your talking big money although im not well versed in doing CSU/DSU on a computer Ive done plenty of routing using ethernet and plenty of cisco work as im CCNA. So i hope it helped ya out and any questions feel free to ask, Ill be sure to get back to you.

Regards,
JKZfixme

Yes the Cisco performance is significantly better as it uses specialized hardware for packet forwarding, the processor is only involved in routing the first packet of each flow and setting up hardware cache entries.

Using nics on a Linux server to route always requires CPU intervention and so your latency and throughput are affected by CPU loading.

I think you can get T1 card for PC but they are fairly specialized bits of kit and will likely not be cheap. You can pick up 2600 off ebay for not much cash, so frankly, as mentioned, its not worth the hassle.