A real-time signal processing consultant has posted a how-to on building a combination home router/server that draws just 3.1 watts, including AC adapter. PAMurray says the set-up, based on a Peplink Manga running Debian, saves power compared to a separate router and laptop-based server.

The recommended setup is based on the Peplink Manga, a versatile ARM-based device that comes with Linux and can be configured with various options, including Bluetooth wireless, Wi-Fi, USB storage, upstream line load balancing, USB storage, and more. The setup uses a Flash disk rather than a hard drive, to further reduce power draw.

This Peplink Manga model shows options including multiple WAN ports, a four-port switch, and a wireless router
(Click to enlarge)

Peplink encourages users to hack its highly versatile and rather innovative devices, and distributes a free SDK (software development kit) with the Manga. The SDK can be used to install custom firmware in the device.

The how-to document published on PAMurray's website includes instructions for setting up the device to boot Debian Linux. It also discusses using the device as an X server for remotely hosted X applications, and setting up a development environment on the Manga (for those who don't want to set up the cross-platform development environment provided in the Peplink SDK).

The authors of the how-to conclude that the device will save about 17.8 kWh/month, when compared to using a separate LinkSys router and a power-efficient x86 laptop.

The article can be found here. A PepLink-sponsored user forum devoted to the topic is also available, here. An in-depth look at the Peplink Manga can be found here.

---

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.