Ok... my current network configuration uses a Linksys Wireless Access Point with 4 port switch, and Router. I use a Cable Modem from the router to the net.

Here is where I want to end go...

24 port switch... and a linux PC which provides the following... Router, VPN, DNS, DHCP, Domain Controller, Main File Server (1/2 tera bytes + of storage).

Am I setting myself up for disaster by putting all of this into 1 box?

What should the miniium specs on the box be (Memory,Speed, etc)?

I don't really think that I'd want my file server and domain controller and maybe even dhcp to be apart of my router. If your router gets comprimized, then everything is compromized. My personal advice. Get a good box for the servers, dhcp, etc. and get a poor box (like pentium 1 or so) for your routing needs. That way if your router gets compiimized then you are less likely to have your data comprimized as well.

ps. I'm sure I've mispelled comprimzed, but I'm to lazy to spell check.

I hear you...

The issue is this... From what I understand, If I decide to setup a VPN using the router box, it will have to be a pretty powerful box as well.

Well, I have a question to go along with that. If instead of using another box to serve as your VPN, you buy a hardware router/VPN/firewall like Linksys or SMC, would I be able to ftp into my Linux box? Do these hardware devices allow that? Would that seriously compromise my network?

I would not think the box would have to be too powerful. I guess more so than what I mentioned above, however. Maybe you should shoot an email to a user group for the vpn product you are going to use to see how powerful it needs to be.

mpriddy, yes you can do that. You'll have to forward port 21 to a NATed box on your network. You are allowing the outside world a doorway into your system. That is the risk that everybody takes when their computer is on the internet. If you leave a port open then someone can potentially find a hole and break into your system.