Is it true all routers work with linux?

[lindsey]

I read somewhere that router compatibility with Linux, or whatever OS is a non-issue. Can I take for granted any router I buy will work with Linux?

I have ASUS rt-n16 in mind btw. Do you think this is a good choice?

I'm considering this model because it has printer server and storage server functions. Any other routers you know of which can be a good or superior substitute for ASUS rt-n16?

[oz]

I've never used that particular model but have used about a dozen different models and 3 or 4 different brands and they've all worked fine with Linux. In fact, I never really gave any thought to whether or not any of the ones that I've used would work with Linux... they just worked, so I was happy.

[MikeTbob]

I'll say it, the router does not care which OS you use. They are pretty much OS independent and some routers are made with Linux embedded into them. Sadly though, the Linux routers will work with Windows too.

[meton_magis]

the biggest reason is that routers work off of TCP/IP. Since it is an open, well documented protocol, there is very little risk of something not working with it.

They only problems I could see, is if you are using a REALLY old version of linux with a REALLY new router ... in theory. I still wouldn't see it being an actual problem.

I'd say you're pretty safe, and if it doesn't work, return the router, complaining that it is not standards compliant.

[Kloschüssel]

I must disagree the previous posts in some points, but can confirm following:

All traffic/network related stuff will work, as said, TCP/IP is a standard that all must comply in order to work. Alright, good this far. Now to the things that you should check.

As you want to use that thing also as print server, file server and other things, you might consider checking that these functionality do not use windows specific drivers and such. While TCP/IP is an open standard, printers, scanners, file servers and such are not. I pretty often see manufacturers inventing their own wheel. So be careful about this stuff. They should can give you exact information whatever is needed on a client system to successfully work with the router. Just check the interopability of these things with linux (or maybe specific kernel versions - older ones may not be that complete or work better than newer ones; it just depends).

[meton_magis]

ah yeah, I didn't think about extra features they pack into routers. One other thing that you may need to look out for is if their setup utility is not web based, but some proprietary installer that only works with windows. I've never seen them, but I've heard they do exist. So your concern is legitimate.

I'd just try to google around for your router name, and "Linux", see what pops up.