BT broard band USB modem and linux as a router

[robsbots]

Hi all.

I've just ordered BT Broad Band with a FREE usb modem. ( I was to cheap to pay for a descent router

Would it be possible to get a pentium 1 class machine running linux to act as a router/internet gatway to a 5 machine 98/XP LAN. ( It doesnt need to do alot else ). I needs to be fairly simple to set up. Don't know alot about BB and routing

Can't afford a router/hub/wireless box at the moment but I have various small machines and a couple of copies of red had kicking about.
(Versions 5.1 and 6.2)

Cheers
Rob at rob bots

[markj]

Yes this can be done the best thing is to download somehting like ipcop or smoothwall have a look at this http://www.ipcop.org/cgi-bin/twiki/view/IPCop/WebHome you will need 2 nic's in that box though

[robsbots]

Would Red hat 6.2 on a P1 233mhz be able to handle network dhcp etc, do the routing ?
Would I need Xfree on it or could it all be done from the command line ?

Last and not least. The Adsl modem is usb. I assume it would look like a standard nic to the system when its installed and be treated as the wan side of the router ?

Cheers

[markj]

Any linux distro would do but ipcop is designed specifically for the job of a hardware router. And you can configure it from your normal pc as it has a web based interface. and yes as long as ipcop or whatever distro you choose supports usb then it should be fine.

[robsbots]

Thanks very much for the advice.

Time to start playing

[markj]

no probs

[kpzani]

I have had zero success finding support for the Intel USB modem that BT have been shipping in my area.

Sorry.