Making a linux router

[OMG1Penguin]

I want to make a home computer (probably small form factor) that could do both NAT for my internal network and web hosting. Would it be feasible to make a computer that did this, and firewalling, or would it be too big of a security mess, etc?

Thanks for the opinions 😀

 

[n0cmonkey]

It's a security mess, but it's definitely possible. I've done it on rare occassions, although not with Linux. 😉

 

[fs5]

you just need s linux distro that is customized for this.
ie: http://www.smoothwall.org/

 

[RedCOMET]

Originally posted by: fs5
you just need s linux distro that is customized for this.
ie: http://www.smoothwall.org/

you could also use m0n0wall, or Astaro

http://m0n0.ch/wall - m0n0wall
Astaro

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: fs5
you just need s linux distro that is customized for this.
ie: http://www.smoothwall.org/

OpenBSD doesn't need much customization. 😉

 

[groovin]

i second using openbsd. normally, using a box as a router AND webserver is asking for trouble... but reality is, sometimes youre short on hardware and gotta cram things together.

 

[DrVos]

m0n0wall is great especially if you're looking to make a small formfactor embedded router. Check out the gallery on the m0n0wall site, its really neat!

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: DrVos
m0n0wall is great especially if you're looking to make a small formfactor embedded router. Check out the gallery on the m0n0wall site, its really neat!

I can do that with OpenBSD too. 😉

 

[msal]

http://www.coyotelinux.com/ I have used this Linux for a few years, they have a free version that works well, But the Wolverine firewall is worth the money. easy to set up, works with PPOE and DHCH on the wan side.

 

[imported_pak9rabid]

Let's see, I'm running Apache webserver, MySQL, sendmail, and dhcpd all from my linux router 🙂. You can do it. Just make sure you have one strict ass firewall script, and up to date software that *hopefully* doesn't have any known vulnerabilities that someone's exploited.

 

[bryantp]

Clarkconnect is a nice software install

 

[cmetz]

OMG1Penguin, it's feasable. I'd suggest you get a distribution that's been canned for use as a SOHO router, which will typically have an easier install and web setup GUI to make it easy to get started. Another approach is to get a Linksys WRT54G/GS, which runs Linux underneath.

 

[BurnItDwn]

yes its possible, very possible. Just get good at IPtables .....