TechRepublic: Installing and configuring a Linux gateway

“A gateway computer provides a local network with access to
another network or to the Internet. Linux is easily configured
for use as a low-cost, dependable gateway. This Daily Drill Down
details a step-by-step process for configuring a Linux server for
use as a gateway. It will not cover network security or the
procedures for installing networking hardware for use with
Linux.”

“To set up this gateway, you’ll need a Linux server with IP
forwarding enabled in the kernel, a desktop computer running any
operating system, three Linux-compatible network interface cards
(NICs), and a hub or a crossover cable. You should consult the
hardware compatibility guide on your Linux vendor’s Web site (or
check the Linux Hardware Compatibility Site) to confirm that the
network interface cards you select are compatible.”

“There are five steps in configuring a network to work with a
Linux gateway:

1. Enable IP forwarding in the Linux kernel on the gateway
   computer.
2. Configure the gateway computer.
3. Configure IP masquerading on the gateway.
4. Configure the host computer(s).
5. Test the network.”

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