Ubuntu comes with everything you need to function as a router, but there are some additional steps involved to make sure it’s doing its job properly and securely. The good news is that all of these steps are relatively simple, which makes configuring Ubuntu as your router easy and painless! Follow along with this guide on how to configure ubuntu as router, and you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your new network setup in no time.
Step 1: Setting up the wireless interface
Setting up the wireless interface is straightforward. First, open the Network Settings applet by typing Network into the dash and clicking on the Network icon. Then click on Wireless Settings and select Scan. Your available wireless networks will be listed, so just choose one and enter your network’s password if necessary. If you happen to have a wired connection that isn’t using DHCP, then you’ll need to set it up manually. Go back to the Network Settings applet and this time select Ethernet Settings. From there, click on Edit Connections followed by Add Connection.
Step 2: Configuring Network Interfaces
This is an easy step in how to make a ubuntu computer a router is using ddclient. You will need these details before configuring network interfaces. Your public IP, external domain or hostname, and your internal subnet along with your dhcp range for your internal network. For instance, if your public IP address is 123.456.789 then you would input 123.456.789 into the Address field of eth0 below on the interfaces configuration screen.
Step 3: Adding Static Routes Section
Adding Static Routes is one of two sections that you will work on to get your IP Address assigned properly. The first thing we need to do is open Terminal by navigating via Start then Accessories then Terminal from Ubuntu Menus or pressing CTRL+ALT+T. Once the terminal has opened, enter this command,sudo apt-get install net-tools. You will be prompted for your user password, enter it and wait for the installation process to finish.
Step 4: Testing the Setup
Before you begin configuring your DD-WRT router, you must take a moment to test your setup. To ensure that your network functions properly, do not skip testing your configuration. You can do this by following these steps: In Ubuntu, open the Terminal and type ifconfig to display the IP address of your computer. Make note of the IP address for later use. Now go back to your DD-WRT settings page and click on Basic Setup, under Network Address Server Settings (DHCP), change DNSMasq option from ‘enable’ to ‘disable’. Click Save to apply these changes.
Final thought
you can configure any Linux machine for a router using iproute2 and iptables, but ubuntu has an easier method because it uses UFW (uncomplicated firewall) and Network Manager. To make a computer into a router you need a network card that supports promiscuous mode, one or more network cards, and two IP addresses; one on each card.
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