Would you buy a wireless internet router with built in ASIC chips?

[GGGGG]

1) You use a router anyways.

2) It's always plugged in and powered on.

3) It's always connected to the internet.


What if you could buy a router that double functioned as a bitcoin miner? With, say, 1 GH/s? Would you buy one? How much would you be willing to pay?

[mitty]

Having done no research on this (aka. Someone else probably brought up what I'm about to say and proved/disproved it), I bet you could run a few AM Block Erupter USB sticks on most routers that let you pull open a shell and have enough resources to install/compile and run bfg/cgminer.

I doubt there's enough interest in the general public for the manufacturers of home routers to make bitcoin mining a built-in function of the devices but hosting the AM sticks seems like a doable task to achieve what you're saying.

[caveden]

1) You use a router anyways.

Yeah but it is already provided by the ISP... isn't it in your case?

[hayek]

I think OP would be talking about a third party router. Probably custom built.

I don't think it's a bad idea. I just don't like mixing my platforms/systems/etc. I like my routers tight.

[caveden]

I think OP would be talking about a third party router. Probably custom built.

But then his first assumption doesn't stand. I only need one router, and it's already provided by the ISP...

[pedrog]

I think OP would be talking about a third party router. Probably custom built.

I don't think it's a bad idea. I just don't like mixing my platforms/systems/etc. I like my routers tight.

Yap, KISS approach.

An easy and cheap solution would be a Raspberry Pi with a few Block Erupters, put it in a case and it's just another device under the router.

[polrpaul]

I'd rather not risk my router frying/dying and maintain reliable connectivity instead.

You can mine with any other equipment behind the router.. but bonking down the choke point is stupid.

[Fallout]

1) You use a router anyways.

Yeah but it is already provided by the ISP... isn't it in your case?

There is one provided, but it is sooo extremely bad ... And no one stops you from installing a better one (If you want GBit Ethernet and 300Mbit WiFi you have no choise for example)

[Gabi]

1) You use a router anyways.

Yeah but it is already provided by the ISP... isn't it in your case?

Not here.

The router i have is mine, i bought it. Totally unrelated with the ISP

[hayek]

I think OP would be talking about a third party router. Probably custom built.

But then his first assumption doesn't stand. I only need one router, and it's already provided by the ISP...

I think maybe this is the break down here.

Just because your ISP rents/leases/gives you a router doesn't mean it's a good one. The cost of that router is still included in your services. OP just wants to slap a couple chips on it to make it mine. I don't think it's a bad idea it's just not that viable.

[chondrite]

1) You use a router anyways.

Yeah but it is already provided by the ISP... isn't it in your case?

not always.  usually isp's will rent you the modem and router while charging a monthly premium that will add up to 200% or more of the cost after a few months.  Check your bill...go buy your own router and modem.  You are likely not required to use their equipment.

[PEBKAC]

Having done no research on this (aka. Someone else probably brought up what I'm about to say and proved/disproved it), I bet you could run a few AM Block Erupter USB sticks on most routers that let you pull open a shell and have enough resources to install/compile and run bfg/cgminer.

I doubt there's enough interest in the general public for the manufacturers of home routers to make bitcoin mining a built-in function of the devices but hosting the AM sticks seems like a doable task to achieve what you're saying.

Definately doable. Many routers these days actually run Linux. Using certain NAS units also would be a great option. I believe there even are some that allow you to install software.

1) You use a router anyways.

Yeah but it is already provided by the ISP... isn't it in your case?

Not in my case. Depends on the ISP. Most ADSL/VDSL/SDSL providers out here do provide a modem-router box, but Cable internet usually doesn't provide a router (or only at additional cost), nor do glassfiber ISP's.
Especially glassfiber is usually only with a glassfiber-to-RJ45 terminationpoint. From that point on is your own responsibility.

I think OP would be talking about a third party router. Probably custom built.

I don't think it's a bad idea. I just don't like mixing my platforms/systems/etc. I like my routers tight.

So you own a PC for every different task too?


I have no problems with mixing things. It'll only result in a lower electricity bill.
Why not combine a NAS, Miner, Router, unmanaged downloadbox, mediasharing (for those TV boxes), etc into one machine?
Single point of failure? yes. But is that really a problem for most tech-savvy people? It's not like your life depends on it. If internet is really important, you could keep a router just as backup and connect it as soon as you need it.

[overc]

I think it is a brilliant idea.

1. Not much profit from using this router but just marketing idea for ads for ISPs. Ordinar people will LOVE the idea just earning something by doing nothing.

2. Than more decentralising hash than better for bitcoin.

3. The ISPs can run their own mining pool.

[World]

I think it is a brilliant idea.

1. Not much profit from using this router but just marketing idea for ads for ISPs. Ordinar people will LOVE the idea just earning something by doing nothing.

2. Than more decentralising hash than better for bitcoin.

3. The ISPs can run their own mining pool.

+1

What is missing there is ASIC Bitcoin Miner app and of course ASIC chip(s).
btw:Fon approaches 12 million hotspots worldwide

[tacoman71]

This thread got me thinking, Cisco, Belkin, or other WiFi router companies can put a couple chips in each router, maybe a couple of avalon chips totaling about 500 Mh/s so they don't draw much electricity. And those routers are secretly mining for those companies that makes the routers. even if they sell about 1 million of these routers, thats 5 TH/S! The company only has to put the chips in and do some programming and they get to mine without paying for the electricity. Sure someone'e going to find out, but it's an interesting idea.

[millsdmb]

1) You use a router anyways.

2) It's always plugged in and powered on.

3) It's always connected to the internet.


What if you could buy a router that double functioned as a bitcoin miner? With, say, 1 GH/s? Would you buy one? How much would you be willing to pay?

I wish I could run a hub of block erupters off of my roku. That's on all the time too =D

[crazyates]

So when is Comcast going to start sticking a mining ASIC into your free router that you get from them with their package deals. It'll be pre-programmed to mine on their pool, and they would make multiple TH/s and none of their users would know a thing. Sneaky bastards.

[zhaodong1982]

It is a good idea for people who don't know bitcoin well but want to have a bitcoin. I guess maybe my dad or mum may buy it.  .