Linux.com: Linux Network Device?

“Cable modems and DSL service are becoming increasingly popular
high-bandwidth Internet service options for home users. DSL service
is also being offered in many areas as an Internet connectivity
product for small businesses. The rates for these services are very
affordable, but you tend to get only the most basic level of
service unless you plan on paying substantially more than the
entry-level rates. Many homes and even more small businesses need
multiple e-mail accounts, and have more than one computer. This
means that you will be paying more for those extra e-mail and IP
addresses, depending on your provider. Avoiding some of these extra
costs is where Linux can very affordably come to your rescue.”

“A low-end Linux system can be configured to extend the basic
service that your provider offers in order to accommodate your
needs. A simple 486-based system with no more than 16MB of RAM
and no hard drive is capable of acting as a simple firewall and can
basically convert your one IP address from your service provider
into several, one for each computer you want to have Internet
access. This firewall can help to protect your computers from
someone on the Internet “hacking” into your computers and causing
you countless headaches. This firewall configuration does require a
significant degree of skill, but you can find some pre-configured
“rules” to do a pretty good job of protecting your location. The IP
“conversion” is actually called “IP Masquerading”, and will allow
you to have this system provide “private” IP addresses for the
other systems on your network. The firewall setup helps to protect
your environment, but the IP Masquerading can end up saving you
quite a bit on your monthly service provider bill.”

Complete
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