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Rob Wultsch wrote:
> 2. In terms of security could I not just have one computer that act as a
> server (with firewall) to the other computers through a switch, without
> have a terrible security problems?
>
This is a good way to go but I wouldn't recommend using a Winders box for your
firewall. A small distribution like Smoothwall or IPCop on a Pentium 100 or
150 would be ideal, and pretty easy to set up.

If you decide that you want to add a WAP be very carefull that you don't
create an opening into your LAN with it. Even using 128 bit WEP will not keep
someone out, only slow them down on getting in. Keep in mind that using a USB
based network interface of any kind will probably yield poor performance.

If you choose to get a WAP use it for that purpose only and not as a firewall,
even if it has routing capabilities and then only when you need it. Unplug it
when you are not using it to help keep your network secure. There are PCI
cards that can be used as wireless access points but I don't know how easy it
would be to get that to work the way you'd want it to if it was installed in
your firewall box.

Stuff to read:

http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Networking-Overview-HOWTO.html
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Wireless-HOWTO.html
http://www.smoothwall.org/

- --
KevinO

Hickory Dickory Dock, The mice ran up the clock, The clock struck one, The
others escaped with minor injuries.

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