I have experience with Linux desktops but not servers and networks. I want to replace the role of my linksys wrt54g router with a linux server. I know it most likely can be done, but not sure how to go about it.


1. can this be done (see diagram below)
2. are there any guides around that can walk me through it?

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internet
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Speedstream 4100 dsl modem
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Linux server (local ftp, web, file & storage, firewall, router) --most likely ubuntu but open to others
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Linksys wrt54g wireless router running tomato firmware (act as switch and wifi access point)
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3 wireless computers
2 Ethernet computers
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any help would be appreciated

You can do that, sure. But is there any particular reason why you want to? You could just put your new linux server on the LAN (if you want it for local services). Or in the Linksys DMZ (Demilitarized Zone -- not on the LAN if you want it for outside accessible services).

well the main reason is experimentation and learning networks. there is only so much you can do on a linksys router, even with the tomato firmware.

also i wanted a firewall i could play with, and watch what goes in and out using all the tools out there.

You can use fwbuilder to create firewalls for your Linksys.

I found some pretty good setup by step howto's at http://aboutdebian.com/. I think they had a specific section about router setup, but I'm not sure.

yes you can. I did it.

I used Shorewall