New distribution: WISP-Dist

From:	 Vladimir Ivaschenko <vi@maks.net>
To:	 lwn@lwn.net
Subject: WISP-Dist announcement
Date:	 Thu, 30 May 2002 22:17:40 +0300

Hi All,

I made the first public release of WISP-Dist available
(description below). Homepage is at http://www.hazard.maks.net/wisp-dist .

                                About WISP-Dist
                                       
   WISP-Dist  is  an  embedded  Linux  distribution  created for wireless
   routers,  but  can  be  used for other purposes as well. Entire system
   fits  in  8 MB  flash/16 MB  RAM. The  goal  is  to  create  an  open, 
   customizable   and  easy   to  use  solution  for  wireless   routers.
   Development was sponsored  by [1]ThunderWorx.

   Highlights:
     * Completely open system based on Linux kernel 2.4 and LEAF Bering
     * Entire  distribution  fits  in  8  MB  flash,  of  which 1.2MB are
       currently free for additional packages
     * Works on 16 MB RAM
     * Simple   to   use   menu-based   configuration  system  for  basic
       functionality
     * Command-line access for advanced configuration
     * Local access via console or serial port
     * Remote access via SSH
     * Statistics available via SNMP
     * OSPF,  RIPv2  dynamic  routing  support integrated; networks built
       this  way  are  much  easier to debug and tune than bridging-based
       networks
     * NAT
     * Bandwidth shaping
     * VLAN  trunking  support:  service  several  customers from one CPE
       connected to a switch
     * Access Point support for Prism2, Prism2.5
     * MAC filter (access list) support for AP
     * Advanced network diagnostics: NTOP, tcpdump
     * Remotely upgradable
     * Modular: you can add/remove packages
     * Can log all system events to remote system via SYSLOG protocol
     * checkping:  system  will reboot if some of the specified hosts are
       unreachable (useful when radios get stuck)
     * Easy to service: all files are stored on standard FAT partition
     * Compatible with LRP (LEAP) packages
       
   Drawbacks:
     * No  integrated  bridging support (I don't count this as a drawback).
       It  is  not needed if you use RIP/OSPF routing, which is very easy
       to  setup.  However all the components are inside to make bridging
       on  Prism2  boards;  you  can  do  it by editing scripts manually.
       Full-fledged bridging is not possible on other cards as drivers do
       not  support WDS. A workaround is possible if somebody develops an
       L3  (IP)  bridging solution similar to the one used by Teletronics
       CPR  images; however it won't be reliable solution anyway (you get
       various problems if you mix routing & bridging).
       
   Supported (tested) platforms:
     * Teletronics CPR motherboards
     * Nagasaki MS-2100 mini-servers
       
   Supported wireless cards:
     * Aironet LMC352
     * Lucent/Avaya WaveLan
     * Prism2-based cards (Teletronics, Zcomax, D-Link, LinkSys ...)
       
   Generally, all modern hardware is supported.

References

   1. http://www.thunderworx.com/

-- 
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Certified Linux Engineer (RHCE)