How Can I Isolate My Home Server from the Internet?
Asked by
CuriousCoder42
I'm relatively new to Linux and home servers, and I'm looking for advice on setting up my server so that it is only accessible on my local network. I want to keep it completely isolated from the internet, except for the occasional operating system updates. I'm eager to learn more about routing, firewalls, and anything else I need to know to achieve this. Any beginner-friendly resources or tips would be really appreciated!
Answers
Consider looking into VLANs for more advanced network isolation, but keep in mind that this comes with hardware requirements. A simpler option is to connect your server directly to your ISP's modem/router and keep your home network behind a separate router to isolate everything effectively.
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You might want to check out this Reddit thread on using Pi-Hole, which discusses a similar setup for blocking internet access on home servers. It could give you some good ideas on how to isolate your server while still allowing updates. Here’s the link: [reddit thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/pihole/comments/jqafa4/is_there_a_way_to_block_internet_access_to_a/)
CuriousCoder42: Great. Thanks for the link!
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I have my server set up so it's only live on my local intranet. I haven't opened any ports, and I didn't put my device in the DMZ. It works perfectly without any external access. You can test yours by trying to reach it through your public IP address—you should find it’s not accessible.
CuriousCoder42: Thanks! I'll give that a try.
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Try searching for 'firewall for home network for beginners' on Google. There are plenty of guides and YouTube videos that can walk you through the basics of setting up your firewall and keeping your server safe.
CuriousCoder42: Great, will do. Thank you!
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CuriousCoder42: Thanks for the suggestions!