A software router refers to a routing solution that uses a desktop computer or server with software to achieve router functionality through software settings. On the other hand, a hardware router is a specialized hardware device that includes a processor, power supply, and embedded software to provide router functionality as configured. - from Baidu Baike

Recently, I finally transformed my "Zhanmei Mini Host" that has been serving me for nearly 5 years into a software router. I installed iKuai OS (hereinafter referred to as iKuai), embarking on the path of no return for software routers.

Preparation

Since the Zhanmei Mini Host only has one Gigabit Ethernet port, which is used for dialing the Internet and there are no other ports to connect to the LAN, it is a bit awkward. However, this can be solved. Generally, there are two solutions for single-port Mini Hosts:

• Solution 1: Single-arm routing: iKuai supports enabling single-arm routing, which allows hosts in the LAN to be connected even with only one port, provided that a switch is used to forward data.
• Solution 2: USB to RJ45, which is a USB wired network card. Pay attention to the network card speed (recommended at least 1000Mbps) and support for USB 3.0, otherwise the speed may not keep up.

Xiaoz has not tried Solution 1, and there is feedback online that single-arm routing is not very stable and can cause some strange issues. So I chose Solution 2 and got a USB wired network card to indirectly achieve dual ports, one for WAN and one for LAN, with the LAN connected to a switch to solve the problem of insufficient ports.

Selection of Software Router Systems

At present, commonly used software router systems include iKuai, ROS, OpenWrt, LEDE, etc., each with its own characteristics. Interested users can search online for more information. After comparing and researching, I chose iKuai, which is said to have good flow control and a simple user interface. I will gradually experience other software router systems in the future.

Installing iKuai OS

• System download: https://www.ikuai8.com/component/download
• Installation tutorial: https://www.ikuai8.com/zhic/spjc/jcaz.html

I initially used Ventoy for installation, but the screen went black as soon as I reached the installation interface. After repeated attempts without success, I don't know if Ventoy does not support iKuai OS or if it's a motherboard issue. Later, I successfully installed it by burning the .iso with UltraISO.

Installing iKuai OS is similar to installing other operating systems. For specific instructions, please refer to the above documentation.

Selection of Switch

The switch I chose is "TP-Link TL-SG1008D". It has a metal casing, 8 Ethernet ports, and supports Gigabit Ethernet. It is sufficient for home use, although the appearance is a bit ugly. But since it is used for practical purposes, it doesn't matter if it looks ugly, as long as it is stable.

Purchase link

Experience with iKuai OS

First, here is a screenshot of the iKuai OS backend after installation. The interface is clear and user-friendly.

About Partitioning

After installation, there are only two partitions: a system partition and a log partition. You can perform partitioning operations in the backend by going to System Settings - Disk Management - Disk Partition - Quick Partition. Quick partitioning will not affect the system.

It is recommended to have at least 2 partitions:

• Log partition: Set according to your disk size.
• Regular partition: Used for virtual machines or Docker. It is recommended to set it larger.
• Cache acceleration: This feature seems a bit redundant. It is used to cache video content, but it only supports limited videos and often fails to cache.
• "You Yu Fan Xing": Similar to JD Cloud Wireless Bao, it allows your router to be used as a CDN node and offers certain benefits. It is not necessary to enable it if your upload bandwidth is small.

About Multi-link Dialing

Currently, I have tested that Chengdu Telecom supports 3 dial-up connections. You can go to Network Settings - Internal and External Network Settings - Hybrid Mode Based on Physical Network Cards - ADSL/PPPoE Dial-up to configure it as shown in the screenshot below.

Then, you can set up the load balancing in Traffic Control - Multi-line Load Balancing. For detailed instructions on multi-line load balancing, please refer to the official documentation: https://www.ikuai8.com/zhic/ymgn/lyym/lkfl/ea195.html

After setting it up, I found that the bandwidth did not accumulate, but rather was distributed. I don't know if it is due to limitations imposed by the Internet service provider or some other issue.

Behavior Log Management

iKuai OS supports behavior log management, which needs to be manually enabled in the backend. After enabling it, you can see the website browsing records and IM online/offline records of devices, as shown in the screenshot below.

In general enterprise situations, company routers are equipped with behavior log management, which is a standard feature of enterprise routers. Therefore, do not browse inappropriate websites on the office network. Your browsing history can be discovered by your supervisors.

Advanced Features

iKuai OS also supports KVM virtual machines and Docker. With these two major features, almost all software you want can run on iKuai OS. However, since it is a software router system, whether the hardware configuration can keep up is another matter. Once it fails, the network will be paralyzed. Personally, I am not particularly inclined to run virtual machines or Docker on routers (after all, I have a NAS).

Network Topology

Currently, my network topology is as follows:

Summary

• For single-port Mini Hosts used as software routers, you can enable single-arm routing or purchase an additional USB wired network card.
• If writing the system according to the official documentation fails, you can try using Rufus to write the .iso.
• It is recommended to have at least 2 partitions: a log partition and a regular partition. Other partitions are optional.
• More advanced features and techniques need to be explored by yourself.
• iKuai has a user-friendly interface and simple operation, and it has powerful flow control.