dlanboard

Dlanboard is a term used for a family of compact single-board computers designed to act as network appliances for digital local area networks (DLANs). The boards are intended for low-latency, edge-oriented tasks and typically provide a balance of processing power, RAM, and I/O suitable for running lightweight Linux-based operating systems and network middleware.

Hardware features commonly seen in dlanboard designs include a multicore processor (ARM or RISC-V), onboard flash or eMMC storage, multiple network interfaces, and expansion options via USB, PCIe, or GPIO. They emphasize deterministic performance and energy efficiency, with power envelopes in the low to mid tens of watts depending on configuration.

Software and ecosystem focus on open sources. Many dlanboard projects publish open firmware and distribution images, and they often include a DLAN protocol stack for device discovery, quality of service, and secure management within a local network. The software layer is typically Linux-based, with tooling for containerization and edge computing workloads.

Applications include edge gateways for smart homes and industrial sensors, small business routers and VPN enforcers, network telemetry collectors, and prototyping platforms for experimental DLAN deployments. The open nature of the platform encourages customization and interoperability with standard networking protocols.

Because dlanboard refers to a family of boards rather than a single product, specifications and support vary by model and project. Users are advised to review individual hardware manuals, firmware licenses, and community documentation to ensure compatibility with their network environment.