DHCP Server on CS410 - Will it work as an internet gateway?

[kellenw]

Example Setups:

 

1.) DSL Modem ---> CS410 WAN Port ---> CS410 LAN Port ---> Switch/Router with DHCP Turned off ---> Computers, Phones

 

--- OR ---

 

2.) DSL Modem ---> CS410 WAN Port ---> CS410 LAN Port ---> Router WAN Port ---> Router LAN Port ---> Computers, Phones

 

 

In theory, both of the above should work assuming the CS410 can act as an internet gateway using the built-in DHCP server. It could really help those folks who are having issues with NAT. Lack of firewall is a concern in #1 though. You probably wouldn't want a ton of traffic on your network either. The CPU in the CS410 isn't exactly beefy, and there is no QOS to speak of. For a small office of 6 users or less, this could be a workable solution though.

[Vodia PBX]

Example Setups:

 

1.) DSL Modem ---> CS410 WAN Port ---> CS410 LAN Port ---> Switch/Router with DHCP Turned off ---> Computers, Phones

 

--- OR ---

 

2.) DSL Modem ---> CS410 WAN Port ---> CS410 LAN Port ---> Router WAN Port ---> Router LAN Port ---> Computers, Phones

 

 

In theory, both of the above should work assuming the CS410 can act as an internet gateway using the built-in DHCP server. It could really help those folks who are having issues with NAT. Lack of firewall is a concern in #1 though. You probably wouldn't want a ton of traffic on your network either. The CPU in the CS410 isn't exactly beefy, and there is no QOS to speak of. For a small office of 6 users or less, this could be a workable solution though.

 

We have to be careful that we don't drift into router topics. After enabling the NAT routing, the next things could be:

• Adding PPPoE
  
• Adding a firewall
  
• Adding a virus filter
  
• Adding VPN support on the WAN port
  
• Adding MPLS support on the WAN port
  
• Adding 802.1X authentication on the LAN port
  
• Adding PoE on the LAN port
  

Obviously, if we would go this path, we would loose our focus and have a lot of half-finished features and open topics. pbxnsip is not a router company...

[kellenw]

Fair enough. Just important to keep in mind that many of the competitive IP PBX offerings already have this, and it allows for much easier and less expensive SMB setups.

[Vodia PBX]

Fair enough. Just important to keep in mind that many of the competitive IP PBX offerings already have this, and it allows for much easier and less expensive SMB setups.

 

The good news about the pbxnsip PBX is that you can run it virtually on anything that runs Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS or whatever. For example, we just got it working on the SheevaPlug! There you can actually do all kinds of routing, and maybe even MPLS is an option! The CS410 is just one "example" of a device that can run the PBX software. Unfortunately, the Linux there is not the latest and getting Debian applications running there is a little bit difficult. It is more for the plain doctors office or shop that wants the FXO gateway in the same box.

[kellenw]

Very good points pbxnsip.

[andrewgroup]

Divide and Conquer, keep it Simple and the term "the more the merrier", simply doesn't make sense when it comes the the single most important piece of technology for a business (the telephone). Computers can burp, the internet crash, but interupt the boss on a few telephone calls, and you'll hear about it immediately.

 

Adding more functionality would only increase the security footprint and decrease reliability. We already have a hundred choices of routers with far more functionality than we can use. Some really terrific routers with full support for NAT, SIP, VPN, PPTP, QOS, SNMP, central management, reporting, many on their umptenth OS revisions can be had for less than $200.00

 

Our .02 - Cheers