DrakGw: Configuring Your Machine as a Gateway

This tool configures your system so that it acts as a gateway to the Internet for other machines connected to it via a LAN. In order for your machine to do this, you will need an already configured connection to the Internet and a network connection to your LAN. This implies at least two interfaces, for example, a modem and an Ethernet card.

After you complete this wizard, all computers on the LAN will be able to access the Internet.

Figure 15.5. Choosing The LAN Network Adapter

Choosing The LAN Network Adapter

If you have more than one Ethernet interface, the wizard will ask you to choose the one connected to your LAN. Make sure to select the correct one.

Figure 15.6. Configuring The LAN Interface

Configuring The LAN Interface

Next, and in case your interface has been previously configured, the wizard will offer to reconfigure the LAN interface so that it will be compatible with the gateway services. It's recommended that you click on Next ->.

Once this is done, the interface is reconfigured and any required packages are automatically installed.

During the installation, a DHCP server will be installed on the machine. By configuring the clients on the local network to use DHCP, they will automatically use the Mandrake Linux machine as a gateway to the Internet. This works for Windows , GNU/Linux or any other OS that supports DHCP.

For example, on a Mandrake Linux client system, check the DHCP box when configuring the network:

Figure 15.7. Configuring a Client To Use DHCP

Configuring a Client To Use DHCP