Ubuntu Linux Gateway Example: Difference between revisions
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==Not everyone needs a gateway!== | ==Not everyone needs a gateway!== | ||
You only need to setup a gateway if: | You only need to setup a gateway if: | ||
* You want to access AMPRNet resources that are not accessible from the | * You want to access AMPRNet resources that are not accessible from the global Internet. | ||
* You want to provide access to AMPRNet over RF (via packet or using WiFi). | * You want to provide access to AMPRNet over RF (via packet or using WiFi) and there doesn't exist such a service in your area. | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
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==Prerequisites (What do I need to get started?)== | ==Prerequisites (What do I need to get started?)== | ||
===Hardware=== | ===Hardware you will need=== | ||
I'm running my gateway on an old Dell Optiplex GX260 (a Pentium 4 with 512 MB of RAM and a 20 GB Hard drive). You don't need much of a system if your Internet Service Provider's bandwidth is 100Mb/s or less. | I'm running my gateway on an old Dell Optiplex GX260 (a Pentium 4 with 512 MB of RAM and a 20 GB Hard drive). You don't need much of a system if your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) bandwidth is 100Mb/s or less. | ||
Along with the built in Ethernet network interface, I've installed two additional 10/100 Ethernet network cards I purchased from Amazon. | Along with the built in Ethernet network interface, I've installed two additional 10/100 Ethernet network cards I purchased from Amazon. | ||
===Software=== | ===Software you will need=== | ||
On the Dell I've installed [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu 12.04 LTS] (the 32-bit server version). With one exception all of the software you will need for the gateway you can get with the server. | On the Dell I've installed [http://www.ubuntu.com/ Ubuntu 12.04 LTS] (the 32-bit server version). With one exception all of the software you will need for the gateway you can get with the server. | ||
===IP Addresses=== | ===IP Addresses you will need=== | ||
====What is an IPv4 Address ?==== | ====What is an IPv4 Address ?==== | ||
An IPv4 address is a unique 32-bit binary number that is assigned to every publicly connected Internet device. | An IPv4 address is a unique 32-bit binary number that is assigned to every publicly connected Internet device. | ||
To make the address easy for humans to read, it is usually represented as a four decimal numbers separated by periods ( | To make the address easy for humans to read, it is usually represented as a four decimal numbers separated by periods (example - <tt>192.0.0.2</tt>). | ||
More information on IPv4 addresses can be found in this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address/ Wikipedia] article. | More information on IPv4 addresses can be found in this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address/ Wikipedia] article. | ||
====Static IPv4 from your ISP==== | ====Obtain a "Static" IPv4 from your ISP==== | ||
=====What is a "Static" IP ?===== | =====What is a "Static" IP ?===== | ||
Normally your ISP assigns your router a public IPv4 address dynamically from a pool of IPv4 addresses shared by many customers. | Normally your ISP assigns your router a public IPv4 address dynamically from a pool of IPv4 addresses shared by many customers. | ||
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While it is possible to make AMPRNet gateways work with a dynamically assigned address, there could be a significant time lag between the time your Public IPv4 address changes and when others on AMPRNet learn about the new gateway address. During this time your AMPRNet subnet may be unreachable. | While it is possible to make AMPRNet gateways work with a dynamically assigned address, there could be a significant time lag between the time your Public IPv4 address changes and when others on AMPRNet learn about the new gateway address. During this time your AMPRNet subnet may be unreachable. | ||
Therefore, I recommend asking your ISP for a "static" IPv4 address. A "static" IPv4 address is one that doesn't change. Usually your ISP will set you up with one for a small setup fee and monthly recurring fee. It is well worth the | Therefore, I recommend asking your ISP for a "static" IPv4 address. A "static" IPv4 address is one that doesn't change. Usually your ISP will set you up with one for a small setup fee and small monthly recurring fee. It is well worth the extra cost to insure a stable gateway. | ||
When you ask for a "static" IPv4 address, your ISP will provide you with the following information that you will need to configure your server. | When you ask for a "static" IPv4 address, your ISP will provide you with the following information that you will need to configure your server. | ||
; IP Address (example - <tt>192.0.2.2</tt>) : The "static" IP Address itself. | ; IP Address (example - <tt>192.0.2.2</tt>) : The "static" IP Address itself. | ||
; Netmask (example - <tt>255.255.255.192</tt>) : The netmask is used to determine what part of the IPv4 address is the "network" portion and what portion is the "host" ( | ; Netmask (example - <tt>255.255.255.192</tt>) : The netmask is used to determine what part of the IPv4 address is the "network" portion and what portion is the "host" (a good analogy is a Postal Code (network) vs. a House Number (host)). | ||
; Default Gateway (example - <tt>192.0.2.1</tt>) : The default gateway is an IP address that you send traffic to reach the rest of the Internet | ; Default Gateway (example - <tt>192.0.2.1</tt>) : The default gateway is an IP address that you send traffic to to reach the rest of the Internet. | ||
; DNS Server Addresses : DNS | ; DNS Server Addresses : DNS server addresses are the IP addresses of systems that look up the IP address of a device you specify by name. (When you type "google.com" into your browser, the DNS Servers look up the IP address for "google.com" to know where to send your search request. | ||
Please make sure you copy this information down carefully and verify it with | Please make sure you copy this information down carefully and verify it with your ISP. Your gateway will not work correctly without it! | ||
====Private IPv4 Addresses for "Non-Ham" Devices==== | ====Private IPv4 Addresses for "Non-Ham" Devices==== | ||
====AMPRNet IPv4 Address Allocation==== | ====AMPRNet IPv4 Address Allocation and Gateway==== | ||
==Installing Required Software== | ==Installing Required Software== | ||
Revision as of 00:32, 30 March 2014
The following are the steps necessary to create a general purpose gateway to AMPRNet using an Ubuntu Linux Server.
Not everyone needs a gateway!
You only need to setup a gateway if:
- You want to access AMPRNet resources that are not accessible from the global Internet.
- You want to provide access to AMPRNet over RF (via packet or using WiFi) and there doesn't exist such a service in your area.
Design
The basic design consists of a standard PC running Ubuntu 12.04 (LTS) and three network connections:
- The first connection is to your ISP so you can reach the Internet.
- The second connection is used to connect your normal "non-ham" devices to the Internet.
- The third connection is used to connect your "ham" devices so they can see and be seen by other AMPRNet devices.
The following diagram shows the layout of the connections. (Click on the image to enlarge).
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Prerequisites (What do I need to get started?)
Hardware you will need
I'm running my gateway on an old Dell Optiplex GX260 (a Pentium 4 with 512 MB of RAM and a 20 GB Hard drive). You don't need much of a system if your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) bandwidth is 100Mb/s or less.
Along with the built in Ethernet network interface, I've installed two additional 10/100 Ethernet network cards I purchased from Amazon.
Software you will need
On the Dell I've installed Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (the 32-bit server version). With one exception all of the software you will need for the gateway you can get with the server.
IP Addresses you will need
What is an IPv4 Address ?
An IPv4 address is a unique 32-bit binary number that is assigned to every publicly connected Internet device.
To make the address easy for humans to read, it is usually represented as a four decimal numbers separated by periods (example - 192.0.0.2).
More information on IPv4 addresses can be found in this Wikipedia article.
Obtain a "Static" IPv4 from your ISP
What is a "Static" IP ?
Normally your ISP assigns your router a public IPv4 address dynamically from a pool of IPv4 addresses shared by many customers.
This means that your Public IPv4 address can change periodically and without notice. Usually this isn't a big issue for most normal users, however it can cause problems when trying implement an AMPRNet gateway.
While it is possible to make AMPRNet gateways work with a dynamically assigned address, there could be a significant time lag between the time your Public IPv4 address changes and when others on AMPRNet learn about the new gateway address. During this time your AMPRNet subnet may be unreachable.
Therefore, I recommend asking your ISP for a "static" IPv4 address. A "static" IPv4 address is one that doesn't change. Usually your ISP will set you up with one for a small setup fee and small monthly recurring fee. It is well worth the extra cost to insure a stable gateway.
When you ask for a "static" IPv4 address, your ISP will provide you with the following information that you will need to configure your server.
- IP Address (example - 192.0.2.2)
- The "static" IP Address itself.
- Netmask (example - 255.255.255.192)
- The netmask is used to determine what part of the IPv4 address is the "network" portion and what portion is the "host" (a good analogy is a Postal Code (network) vs. a House Number (host)).
- Default Gateway (example - 192.0.2.1)
- The default gateway is an IP address that you send traffic to to reach the rest of the Internet.
- DNS Server Addresses
- DNS server addresses are the IP addresses of systems that look up the IP address of a device you specify by name. (When you type "google.com" into your browser, the DNS Servers look up the IP address for "google.com" to know where to send your search request.
Please make sure you copy this information down carefully and verify it with your ISP. Your gateway will not work correctly without it!