Lukas Beeler wrote:
Now, even expensive FB-DIMM memory by vendors like HP and IBM only costs around 360 CHF for 4 GB. And even small two way x86 boxes max out at around 32 - 48 GB. Even if Cisco and Juniper charge 10x as much, that'd still be only 3600 CHF.
I understand that routers use ASICs and probably faster memory than servers, but i can't really imagine it to be a problem to pop 4GB memory into a router that's connected directly to the internet.
Now, where am i mistaken?
There still a lot of hardware around which is at the memory expansion limit. And (talking about Cisco) the IOS images don't tend to get smaller... So finally you end up replacing the whole router or NM-engine for some kilo-$ instead of a relative cheap memory upgrade...
I agree with Fredy's concerns about link stability and flapping, especially for residential services. BGP on DSL can although be deployed as backup solution or, if you're close enough to the "BBCS owner", as main link. The major problem you face there is getting a skilled person when you're in trouble... The help-desk guy/girl you get at the phone does usually don't even know how to spell B-G-P and will ask you why you have 4 of them :-)
Daniele