Switching to DSL

[Jeff Mings]

I switched from RoadRash to DSL after moving offices since RoadRash's
terms of service now specifically forbid bandwidth sharing among
multiple machines. I had previously used DHCP for RR, but received a
static IP address with DSL (via Flex.net), so I had to change that as
well as the other related things - DNS, gateway, blah blah. The linux
box that provides IP masquerading (or NAT if you prefer to call it) also
functions very nicely as our firewall. Standard ipchains setup - I also
block many banner ad sites to conserve bandwidth, such as doubleclick,
which has about eight different IP ranges. I also block IRC and AIM
ports, and have turned off all services I don't need coming in, like
FTP. In short, it's a decent firewall. I'm not familiar with all of the
SOHO2's capabilities, but if it's like the blue Linksys router, it will
be lacking in:
1) Logging - the Linksys boxen don't have hard drives, and don't have
much space for logging things like break-in attempts, etc. You have to
run a windoze app that constantly queries the box to do this.
2) Connections - the Linksys boxen are limited to a smaller number of
simultaneously masqueraded connections than what even a decent Pentium
Linux box can maintain - I don't recall the exact number. Of course, for
a few machines, you'll have no problem.

-Jeff

Doug Long wrote:

> I have schedule to switch my current Road Runner connection to DSL.  I am
> using a linux computer for IP forwarding. First question, do I have to
> change the configuration of linux to switch to DSL. Do I have to add a
> script to establish the DSL connection.
> 
> Second question related to the first.  It has been recommended that I
> install a SonicWall SOHO2 internet appliance for a firewall and DHCP.  Can't
> I continue to use the Linux computer to do this?
> 
> Doug Long
>