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 and working 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 18.5. Choosing the Internet Interface

Choosing the Internet Interface

You first need to specify the name of the interface connected to the Internet. Make sure to select the correct one: use the examples in the online help as a guide.

Figure 18.6. 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 you select the correct one.

Figure 18.7. Configuring The LAN Interface

Configuring The LAN Interface

Next, and in the situation where 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 is recommended that you leave options at their defaults and click on the Next -> button.

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

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 and any other OS that supports DHCP.

For example, on a Mandrake Linux client system, check the DHCP box when configuring the network as shown in Figure 18.8.

Figure 18.8. Configuring a Client To Use DHCP

Configuring a Client To Use DHCP