Recently, I discovered Vyatta, simply fantastic open source routing software. Excellent, just what I need for my virtual development lab!

Running on a very lightweight Linux core, after some initial issues with typos(!), Vyatta connected my dev lab to the WAN in minutes. Simple, straightforward NAT rules and a single static route and off you go!

However, after the inital euphoria, I now realise some hard work is required. There are a number of  isolated networks to connect using multi NAT rules and routes…and these need careful thought and consideration. Over the few weeks I have been using Vyatta, I must confess to becoming a complete convert and would recommend this to anyone with network routing issues.

It’s FREE!

You can download and create your own CD, watch the videos, read the documentation – all for free, than move onto their fully supported enterprise class solutions, if required.

I’m sure I could not afford any Cisco solution for my developement environments and test lab – which surely is a problem for Cisco? Yes, I know they are almost a defacto standard and yes they have their strengths too, but in this world of the ever competitive marketplace, a solution which is extremely robust, fully functional, can be deployed in minutes and is free, has to be serious competition.

Especially when it comes to budget sign-off for that new project.