Noob Networking Question

[Morpheus907]

In theory, or better yet reality, could a computer between the modem and router assist in my needs?
Lets say I got a Windows 10 computer with 4GB of ram and a server style dual RJ45 connection PCI or PCIe network card and the only items I wish to run on that computer is Bitdefender (anti-virus/firewall), Adguard (ad-blocking service), and a VPN service. If I were to place that computer between the router and the DSL (PPOE) or Cable Modem, Would it work on the devices connected to the router? For instance, if I were to download a virus filled file(s) of some sort would bitdefender catch it before it travels to the computer requesting said file(s)? How about the VPN service? If I were to set the VPN to say I am anywhere else in the world, would it make my other devices say I am in that country or section of country? Last but not least, with Adguard, would it stop annoying ads on all devices across the router? Would a cheap refurbished computer for around $100- $150 suit my needs? Any suggestions, comments, answers would be welcomed. Thank you!

[ddennis002]

9 minutes ago, Morpheus907 said:

In theory, or better yet reality, could a computer between the modem and router assist in my needs?
Lets say I got a Windows 10 computer with 4GB of ram and a server style dual RJ45 connection PCI or PCIe network card and the only items I wish to run on that computer is Bitdefender (anti-virus/firewall), Adguard (ad-blocking service), and a VPN service. If I were to place that computer between the router and the DSL (PPOE) or Cable Modem, Would it work on the devices connected to the router? For instance, if I were to download a virus filled file(s) of some sort would bitdefender catch it before it travels to the computer requesting said file(s)? How about the VPN service? If I were to set the VPN to say I am anywhere else in the world, would it make my other devices say I am in that country or section of country? Last but not least, with Adguard, would it stop annoying ads on all devices across the router? Would a cheap refurbished computer for around $100- $150 suit my needs? Any suggestions, comments, answers would be welcomed. Thank you!

Hello, I will try to break your question down to give your some options.

 

So with a PC in between your modem and router, this can give you some benefits and some drawbacks.

You can run this PC assuming you don't store any sensitive data on it as a DMZ (demilitarized zone) This would give you a cushion subnet, so this pc would be directly exposed to the internet, you can set firewall rules to filter out services and ports or even websites ect. From entering or exiting the network. So you can configure ICS from the incoming connection from the ISP then share it with existing router, you would want to disable routing features on existing router, DHCP ect as these services would be now handled by the PC.

 

As far as bitdefender anti-virus not really going to do anything for traffic passing though. But you could run a VM and setup the NIC as bridged and run PI-hole for blocking ads or using it to block websites by setting the DNS on the NIC on your network side to the Pi-Hole address. Adguard works at the client level, where Pi-Hole works on a network level.

 

You could also run a VPN service on this computer that would cover your entire network. You can even setup OpenVPN Server so you can connect from outside your network while traveling. To secure and encrypt your traffic just like a VPN service would do.

 

Any question or need more information just let me know and I can help with links for setup.

[rEkmAInc1csBnlM6C85H]

That is indeed possible, I am unfamiliar with the deployment of those systems or ones that would bundle all that together. Something that comes to mind is systems like Snort.

 

The key thing is placing a Windows based system between the modem and router with software installed as you described will not function as you would hope without a silly amount of work.

 

I imagine it just becomes a matter of installing the multiple solutions you want on a GNU/UNIX based system and routing the traffic though them in order. Hopefully someone who knows allot more about this chimes in.

[WWicket]

It sounds like you want a firewall+a few additional routing services... you wouldn't use a Windows 10 computer for this. Look into pfSense (or opnsense or untangle etc.)

 

[Morpheus907]

Thank You all for your responses. I have decided to change up my router and attempt to use Pihole with the hopes that it suits my needs. Thank you again