Make Linux box into a router

[ThoughtVelocity]

Is it possible to convert a linux computer to a router? I am pretty green when it comes to networking, but I have a strong desire to make this work. I currently use my SBC supplied DSL router (pppoe) connected to my computer. The router is junk to put it mildly. I have to restart the thing like every half hour or so. Plus I'd love to have one less piece of hardware plugged in. My goal is to do away with it and "bring it inside". Hardware wise I assume all I need is two NIC cards which I have. Is there software to make this easier? Or does a particular distro have some edge in this area? I'm looking for some input at this point. Maybe a link to some howto's to see if this is do-able. Thanks.

[Stefann]

Is it possible to convert a linux computer to a router? I am pretty green when it comes to networking, but I have a strong desire to make this work. I currently use my SBC supplied DSL router (pppoe) connected to my computer. The router is junk to put it mildly. I have to restart the thing like every half hour or so. Plus I'd love to have one less piece of hardware plugged in. My goal is to do away with it and "bring it inside". Hardware wise I assume all I need is two NIC cards which I have. Is there software to make this easier? Or does a particular distro have some edge in this area? I'm looking for some input at this point. Maybe a link to some howto's to see if this is do-able. Thanks.

You for one, either need two NIC cards and a external DSL modem, doesn't have to be a router, but has to at least be a modem, said modem needs to work with your ISP, or a internal DSL modem, which also needs to work with your ISP.

Second, you need a (2nd) NIC to connect to a network hub(not router, they are two entirley different things) which will connect to all of your PC's.

Third, you need to set up a DHCP server or assign all of your network PC's static IPs.

Fourth and foremost, you need to set up IPtables to NAT your network, if you have servers running on them id recommend doing some hostname forwarding, but anyways now I'm getting a little overboard.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ON HOW TO SET UP IPTABLES, I only know you need to use it.

[ThoughtVelocity]

You, know I have probably not thought enough about this. What I was refering to as the router is in fact what you say is the modem. That's what I was hoping to eliminate. Well I guess that makes my mind up. Thanks.

[AlexK]

There are a few distros which can do this for you automaticially without any hassle, I'd suggest you take a look at either Smoothwall or IPCop. Also, both act as firewalls, require low spec hardware (PII, 32MB RAM) and are relatively painless to setup.

[TheGreen]

Yep, I use IPCop and love it. Though it is not a Modem, it is a multi inteface firewall and router.

[Dapper Dan]

Or you could buy a Linux router...

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/7322