Hello,

I have recently installed linux on an old computer that I want to use as a firewall for my home network.

The reason for this is I need to secure my wireless portion and not all of the computers seem to want to work with wpa or wep.

The instructions for ipCop look pretty straight forward, however one thing I don't understand is how the router will fit into things. Since the router is set up to assign IP's for both wired and wireless, will that interfere with ipCop wanting to set IP's.

Currently I have 2 nic's in the firewall computer, 1 Cox Communications modem connected via ethernet to one and the output going to the router (belkin wireless)

1) can I use that router in this configuration or do I need to switch to just a hub

2) will the routers DMZ function continue to work with this configuration or will I need to install a 3rd nic in the firewall if I need a DMZ

Thank you in advance for your help.

1) The router will just complicate the green setup - switch to a hub for green keep the router for blue (wireless).

2) Install a 3rd NIC in your IPCop for the DMZ.

Sorry, did not read question properly. If the problem is security on the wireless interface (no WPA or WEP enabled on your router) IPCop will not help - outsiders can still hack the wireless network. IpCop can seperate the wired and wireless network segments but you could end up needing 4 NICs if you want a DMZ: NIC 1 red, NIC 2 green, NIC 3 Blue and, if required, NIC 4 orange (DMZ).

Yes I didn't think about it enough, of course ipCop wouldn't help with the wireless security.

Oh well, thanks for the reply. At least I have a bit more info now.