IPCop Linux Firewall

Configuring the WAN and DHCP server, C more

Since we're configuring the WAN (Internet) port, we'll have to tell IPCop what kind of Internet connection we have, so that it knows how to negotiate a successful service connection. Figure 15 shows the WAN connection types, which will be familar to anyone who has had to configure a store-bought router.

Figure 15: RED (Internet) connection types

The most common selections will be DHCP for cable modem users (Figure 15) and PPPoE for DSL users, but be sure to select the connection type that matches your service provider.

Users with a static IP will need to enter the information for their DNS server and gateway, which is what the fourth menu option is for (Figures 16 and 17).

Figure 16: Getting to DNS and Gateway settings

Figure 17: Entering DNS and Gateway settings

IPCop provides a DHCP server so that LAN clients can all grab an IP address along with proper gateway and DNS information As Figure 18 shows, start and end addresses of the DHCP range can be specified, along with DNS servers and DHCP lease duration. You can also reserve fixed IP addresses for certain PCs via the Web interface, ensuring that they will receive the same address each time they connect.

Figure 18: DHCP server settings