Linux is known as a versatile operating system, where programmers can create mission bound kernels that can be told to perform dedicated tasks, one such example is LRP (Linux Router Project). LRP consists of a networking centric mini-distribution of Linux (this means a dedicated kernel which it's main purpose is routing) which offer networking functionality such as: Routing, Packet Filtering and etc.
LRP started out as a HOWTO that taught users how to configure their Linux into functioning as a Router. The author of the HOWTO though that one of the things Linux is good at is, its open sourced and free, making it possible to anyone to optimized the source code, and make it into anything he wishes.
The author then decided to create what is today called the Linux Router Project. A dedicated Linux that can be booted up from a single floppy disk (1.44MB) which consumes small amounts of memory (as low as 12MB) and functions as a dedicated router. With time he added extra functionality into the program (with the assistance of other programs) such as RADIUS PPP support, SLIP RAS support, DNS, Packet Filtering (Firewall), NAT (Network Address Translation), SNMP agent/daemon and much more.
