Using Linux as a router for a wireless and wired network
 

presently i am using a router that combines wirless and wired. i am using both connections.

i would like to be able to replace my current router with a linux machine. i have little to no experince with linux but would like to at least try my hand at this. first question, is this possible? and if so what distributions would be easiest or best suited for such an application. lastly are there any good sites to direct me?

thank you.

yes it is possible, just make sure you can find modules (drivers) for your wireless card. the distros that I have used the most are suse and fedora core. I have had pretty good luck with them. I have heard that debian is a good choice for a server.

this might be a good place to start:

http://oob.freeshell.org/nzwireless/LWAP-HOWTO.html

but depending on witch distro you decide to install you will be able to find a better howto

http://www.smoothwall.org/
http://freescobox.justmyhost.com/
http://www.coyotelinux.com/products.php?Product=coyote
http://www.devil-linux.org/home/index.php

the easiest to configure and maintain would probably be smoothwall.it's what i currently run headless for my wired network.

from what ive seen i will need two machines, one issusing dhcp to my wired network and then another machine linked to the wired to connect the wireless network? is that right? or can i have three nic cards in one machine?

3 cards or more if needed.

3 cards would work on a single machine?

yes.
#1 in/out to internet
#2 wired in/out to home network
#3 wireless in/out to home network

wow thanks. now i need to get my computer back.. im at school and only have my laptop, i wish i could get started on this project. this is sort of an off the wall question.

:newbie:

i know some people who are an internet service provider, what does it take to do that? and are there any sites i could look at for more information. thanks piscikeeper for all the help.