Basically any computer is a router if you're brave enough.

Windows PCs had (have?) that Internet connection sharing feature for a long time. It was really just a checkbox to enable NAT too.

Sometimes I think combining a firewall/router/switch/AP/file server/etc into a device called a "router" really confuses people. Even people who should know better.

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novachen 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

the naming is part of the confusion. consumer "routers" are really NAT gateway + DHCP server + DNS cache + WiFi AP + maybe a firewall, all in one box. separating them makes each piece clearer.

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j45 7 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

It is much, much easier than it used to be. The documentation and videos alone available make something like this a very welcoming learning experience that anyone can complete step by step by pausing a video and replaying it.

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doubled112 7 hours ago | parent [-]

Like most things, really. I used to build routers from old PCs, but eventually those tiny appliances caught up with the performance/functionality I need.

You can do a lot of routing on a $70 Mikrotik, although they might not be "easy".

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esseph 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I really want to end up with one of these for at least a few months: https://mikrotik.com/product/rds2216

	▲	bombcar 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		At $2k out the door that's way more reasonable than I thought it'd be. Too bad I can't fill it with old spinning rust.

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j45 7 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

For sure, it's a path and passage towards devices like that.

Everyone has a starting point, starting with soemone has lying around is one thing.. the quicker they can get going the more they can get to leveraging the real power in most devices.