basic networking

[HarryGoiter]

I am relatively new to networking with the exception of two Win98 machines I have connected vie a crossover cable to share one i-net connection (using windows' "internet connection sharing"). As a learning experience, I've taken on the task of creating a larger(but still basic) network. The goal is to run multiple (about 16) win98 machines through a small linux box (running slakware) so that they all share one i-net connection.

On the linux box, i need to be running an IP masquerading program to make IP addresses for the win98 machines and samba for a file server right? Am I missing anything? Thanks

[FoBoT]

i would also run dhcp server so that the win clients can get ip addresses automagically, much easier than static ip's for that many boxen

good luck!
have fun!
:)
http://www.primethepump.org/ug.gif

[bdg1983]

Ok FoBoT the 'unknown geek'. I see you...

Some good NHF's here on Basic Routing with Linux etc. Check them out.

[Helius]

You should use a proxy (squid) for http and ftp acces. If you have a slow connection like ISDN or Modem it would be the best way to keep traffic low. :cool:

[HarryGoiter]

I'll be using a DSL line. I guess when I say 16computers, thats the max number of computers I'd like the system to potentially handle. More likely there will be 4 or 5 at any given time so traffic. Probably like to stay away from proxy because the users will know even less than I do (SHOCK) so I don't want there to be any setup complications with programs they insall. Thanks for your help

[Helius]

I mean you maybe should use the proxy for http and maybe ftp. All other things like pop3 and smpt traffic could be directly done by forwarding...

[No-Idea]

I took a different approach, but it cost me $150 (USD).

I bought a gateway router (Netgear RT 314) to share my cable modem internet access with my internal network (5 Wondoze and 1 Linux box).

It has built in DHCP, NAT, and a 4 port 10/100 switch. The thing couldnt have been any easier to setup either. You dont need any knowledge about routing, just plug it in and run the wizard. All the default answers worked for me and I didnt have to make any changes to get it going.

With a single account (ip address and user account) I share my internet connection with my entire network.

Once you are up and running, you will want to configure some SAU's if you plan on allowing others to connect to you, say as in a game server, but that is as easy as going to the SAU menu and typing in an IP address.

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by No-Idea:
it cost me $150 (USD).


e-smith server (http://www.e-smith.org) will do all that and more and it is just as easy and doesn't cost $150

[ 29 March 2001: Message edited by: 9223 ]

[HarryGoiter]

You dont need any knowledge about routing, just plug it in and run the wizard.

That's not a bad idea, although I don't have $150 to spend, I do have scrap parts to piece together a linux box, and like I said in my original post, I want this to be a learning experience. But a router was also suggested to me by others, so we'll see what the network ends up with. :cool:

[No-Idea]

SMC has a very similar one called the Barricade that costs much less.
Also there is a single port (with uplink) that you can get for about $80.

If you have a hub already you will not need the aditional ports on the larger models so the single port is a better solution anyway. (I wanted the switched ports for my primary workstation...yeah, im spoiled ;) )

I am still very new to linux so I dont know much about the gateway/proxy abilities. But I do know that the router is designed to do this and would give you less overhead. If you are a surfer then the Linux gateway would work, If you are an online gamer then the router is the way to go.