ninux VS Babel (protocol)

Wireless network community with the goal of creating and expanding a free, open and experimental...

A routing protocol suitable both for wireless mesh networks and ordinary wired networks.

Community-Driven
Ninux is driven by a community of enthusiasts and volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages user participation and contribution.
Low-Cost Networking
As an open wireless network, Ninux allows users to connect and expand the network without the need for expensive ISP plans, making it an affordable option for many.
Decentralization
The network architecture is decentralized, reducing dependency on central authorities and increasing resilience against single points of failure.
Open Source
Ninux uses open-source software, allowing for transparency in how the network operates and fostering innovation and security through community vetting.

Technical Complexity
Setting up and maintaining nodes in the Ninux network can require significant technical knowledge, which might be a barrier for some users.
Scalability Challenges
As a community network, Ninux might face challenges in scaling efficiently, particularly in managing resources and maintaining quality of service.
Limited Coverage
The availability of the network is largely dependent on user participation, which might result in limited geographic coverage and connectivity.
Reliability Issues
Being a volunteer-driven network, there could be inconsistencies in network performance and maintenance compared to commercial ISPs.

Simplicity
Babel is known for its simplicity, making it easier for users to deploy and manage without deep technical expertise. It utilizes distance-vector routing and is designed for minimal configuration.
Convergence Speed
Babel is designed to provide fast convergence, allowing the network to quickly adapt to topology changes and ensuring minimal downtime.
Robustness
Babel shows robustness in various network conditions, including wireless and mesh networks, due to its loop-avoidance techniques and efficient use of multiple paths.
Support for Multiple Metrics
Babel supports multiple routing metrics, which allows for fine-tuning and adaptability in diverse network environments, such as balancing load or optimizing for latency.

Complex Real-world Performance
While Babel is theoretically sound, its performance in complex, large-scale real-world networks can sometimes be less predictable compared to more established protocols.
Limited Adoption
Babel is not as widely adopted as other protocols like OSPF or BGP, which could mean less community support, fewer resources, and fewer engineers familiar with the protocol.
Niche Use Cases
Babel is typically more suitable for specific types of networks, such as small to medium-sized, dynamic, or mesh networks, rather than large enterprise environments.
Less Mature
Compared to more traditional routing protocols, Babel is relatively newer and thus might lack certain features and the extensive testing that older protocols have undergone.