Discussing networking basics Asking about new concepts in communication Exploring foundational ideas in connections
Discussing networking basics Asking about new concepts in communication Exploring foundational ideas in connections
In theory or in practice, could a machine positioned between the modem and router help with your requirements? Suppose you have a Windows 10 system with 4GB RAM, a server-grade dual RJ45 network card, and only need Bitdefender (antivirus/firewall), Adguard (ad-blocker), and a VPN. If you place that computer between the router and your DSL or cable modem, would it affect the devices connected to the router? For example, if you download malicious files, would Bitdefender detect them before they reach the device requesting them? Regarding the VPN, if you set it to appear as if you're in another country, would it trick other devices into thinking you're there? Lastly, with Adguard, would it block ads on all connected devices through the router? A used refurbished machine costing $100–$150 might work for your needs. Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions. Thank you!
Hello, I’ll try to simplify your query and present some choices. You’re considering using a PC between your modem and router. This setup offers certain advantages but also some challenges. You might run the PC without sensitive data stored, treating it as a DMZ zone. This gives you a separate subnet, exposing the PC directly to the internet. You can adjust firewall settings to control which services or websites are allowed in or out.
For network management, you could configure ICS through incoming connections from your ISP and share that with your existing router. Disable features like routing and DHCP on the router since those would be managed by the PC. Bitdefender antivirus won’t affect traffic passing through, but you could run a VM with a bridged NIC and use PI-hole to block ads or specific sites via DNS settings.
Adguard operates at the client side, while Pi-hole functions network-wide. You might also install a VPN on this PC to protect your entire network, or set up an OpenVPN server for secure remote access from outside your home network.
If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to ask and I’ll provide links for setup.
It seems you're considering a firewall plus extra routing features. Avoid using a Windows 10 machine for this setup. Explore pfSense, OPNsense, or Untangle instead.