What to do?: Using Linux to replace linksys router

[AndyVX]

Hello,

I just want to start off by saying that I really don't know anything about using Linux. But I want to start using, just for gaining some knowledge with it.

Right now, I'm using a Linksys Cable/DSL router to share my internet connection and to network the computers in my house. I'm in the process now of building a file server that would be plugged into the router as well.

What I would like to do is to install Linux on a 250MHz Compaq computer that I have laying around, and use that to replace the Linksys for its internet sharing abilities. I would then connect the Linux box to the 8 port Netgear switch I have, and from there to all the computers + file server.

I basically need to know what to do. Maybe not step-by-step, but pretty close.

If anyone is willing to help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks a bunch.

-Andrew

[mart_man00]

theres alot sites for this kind of stuff. just search for using linux as gateway.

this one looks good http://www.yolinux.com/TUTORIALS/LinuxTutorialNetworkGateway.html

[AndyVX]

Ok, well, I'll do a search for Linux Gateway.
While that site you linked to may be good, I don't understand what they're saying to do.

I can get Linux RedHat (the version I have) installed just fine (pretty easy nowadays with the GUI installer), but from there I'm lost. Don't even know where to begin.

[homey]

There are versions of linux which specialize in the router project. In particular, I like the one called Freesco linux http://www.freesco.org . This one can be run from a floppy or you can put it onto the hard drive.

The linux routers do NAT ( like your linksys ) so other computers can get onto the net. They also do firewall and other things.

You can use your existing Redhat computer and setup NAT by changing the IPTABLES. You can use a neat software for that purpose called Firestarter.


When setting up the Freesco, set eth0 to connect to the net. When setting up eth1 for connecting to the other computers, you need to select the item which sets up a dhcp range for them. I can't remember what item number it is but I'll check and get back to you.

edit: Ok, I'm back with the dhcp info.

When setting up eth1, select #625 DHCP pool
example: 192.168.0.2 198.168.0.50

Then exit that part and go on through setup. The next part in regards to DHCP is
item #431 Enable DHCP server [y]

[AndyVX]

Homey,

Thanks for all the info. I'll be sure to check it out. It sounds like it's just what I need.

[bs_texas]

Check out :

http://www.smoothwall.org

I'm using that on an old machine with a 350Mhz AMD K6-II and with a 240MB hard drive. I use the beta version of smoothwall, since it has iptables.

I don't have broadband, but I have the 56k modem connected in to it and an 8 port Linksys switch connected out of it that I have my other machines connected to, to share the connection.

[AndyVX]

Just another thought/question.

If I installed a full Linux distro, would I be able to set the computer up as a router and a mail server in one?

Can both things be setup and running at the same time?

Thanks.

[homey]

Sure you can! The firewall / NAT router is a function of IPTABLES. You can set that up manually or you can use some cool software to help you set it up. Firestarter for instance.

Most linux distros have server functions available like Mail , DHCP , DNS , FTP , Apache Web server.....

[Taizong]

I intend on setting up a Linux box in one of those mini-pc cases. I'm gonna set it up on my home entertainment center and integrate into my S-video TV and run Freevo.

As far as networking goes, I'm gonna make it my DSL router/gateway, and put a wireless NIC in the internal side. That way I won't need any wiring for my home network. Then I run samba and make it my file server.

I am going to use Redhat 8.0, and I'll get started after I move into my new aprtment (on June 4th). I'll post my hardware specs and setup instructions once I'm done.

This is gonna be fun.

[AndyVX]

Just went to the firestarter website.
Seems like it's exactly what I'm looking for. Does firewall, plus NAT so I can share my cable connection. And since I'll be running redhat (maybe there's a better version of Linux to use, but that's what I have burned already), I can set up a mail server too.

Woohoo! :)
Looks like everything is coming along nicely now.

Gotta do a search for how to set up a mail server now. :)

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.
As soon as my new ethernet cards arrive in the mail, I can start setting all this up. Can't wait.