A few easy router questions

[lockness]

I currently have 2 machines netwroked(Linux and W98). My cable modem is hooked to the linux machine and Im using ipchains etc to get out on the W98 machine. The problem Im having is getting VPN working on the W98 machine so I can log into work. So, Im considering buying a router and plugging the cable to it along with my 2 machines. Here are my questions:

1.) I have a web server running on the Linux machine. When a reqest for the website hits the router, how in the world does it know which box to direct that request to?

2.) Same as #1 but for FTP.

3.)Supposedly the router has good firewall protectin. Is it wise to run protecion on my 2 machines also?

My other questions will probably be answered if some one explains those ...

 

[oneye]

Most routers will support port forwarding, ie. so any request for http on port 80 can be automatically sent to the internal ip of your linux webserver. Or port 21 for ftp, etc, etc.

Whenever port are left open you should run a firewall, at least on the machines that will have open ports such as the web-server in your case.

Hope this helps,

oneye