Wifi Access Point (and internet some day)

[aamche]

First time poster, some time Linux user.

I've been reading and trying to create a wifi access point on my debian server.
that is
{intenet-router} <-> {server + usb-wifi} <-> {network users}

I've opted for this configuration as the server will become a firewall, traffic monitoring (sick of my windows machine getting hacked). I've spent a lot of time and I don't seem to have any un-clicked links in google left. I've read quite a few howtos and threads on this site and others ... I'm definitely missing something.

Running: Debian Lenny (no gui)

I have installed the driver for the usb dongle
ZyDAS ZD1211/1211B and Atheros AR5007UG chipsets > zd1211rw
Seems to work, I can see other peoples networks with iwlist wlan0 scan

Configured /etc/network/interfaces

# This file describes the network interfaces available on your system
# and how to activate them. For more information, see interfaces(5).

# The loopback network interface
auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

# The primary network interface
allow-hotplug eth1
iface eth1 inet dhcp

# Wi-Fi
auto wlan0
iface wlan0 inet dhcp
        wpa-conf /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Installed and Configured wpa_supplicant (makes me think of Homer Simpson when he reapplies for his job after quitting to go work in a bowling alley)
/etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

# WPA-PSK/TKIP

ctrl_interface=/var/run/wpa_supplicant

network={
        ssid="example wpa-psk network"
        key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
        proto=WPA
        pairwise=TKIP
        group=TKIP
        psk="secret passphrase"
}

I've also installed hostapd, and attempted a few things in there. Long run I want to allow wifi users to access the net. But will probably need iptables etc..., but just want to pass this step.

I've see a few howtos seem to use ath0. It's probably only a minor issues. So thanks for any help you may provide.

[aamche]

Looks like the ZD1211 need better drivers to enable Master mode. Time to find/download drivers, eventually make and install them, could take weeks off my life.

[jheaton5]

A router between your modem and computers makes a good firewall. I would either get a wireless access point and connect it to your router, or, for about the same price, you can get a wireless router. That's a lot easier than trying to configure one of your computers as a wireless access point.