Advise on a Cisco Router to act as NAT / ICS & Firewall for LAN

[Marshall22]

Currently I have a server (Win2K Server) with 2 Network Cards installed. One for the incomming connection from the cable modem, the second connecting to a 8 port hub which has 5 client PC's (Win98se & 1 WinXP) attatched to it forming the LAN.

Here's the scoop, the server the only thing seperating the LAN from the Internet and is getting the beating of a lifetime from would-be hackers. If the server goes down or locks up, internet is down temporarily for the clients and general chaos occours. The server is running BlackICE firewall, and Norton Anti-Virus, along with ICS running for internet sharing.

What I would like to do is put a Cisco router to act as a Firewall and NAT / ICS box to share internet to the ports on it. This way, the server would not be exposed.

Any ideas on a simple 8 port cisco router that can be easily configured to run Internet Connection Sharing or NAT, and a Firewall?

I'v seen some cable routers from cisco on ebay but I'm unsure if they would work with our cable provider. Not to menchen that the Web-Browser setup looks very cheesy. (Ex. Firewall On/Off... Whats happening? There is no feedback.) And these 4 digit figure routers that have a configuration menu that would boggle the mind. (Ex. Cisco 2516 Series Routers.) Is there any middle ground? Suggestions?

 

[Marshall22]

I'm open to suggestions on other router brands as well.

 

[dredoggg]

all you need is a cisco anything router.. .1600 series with 2 ethernet interfaces will work...
Unfortunately you will want to learn the IOS (ming boggling interface)

ALternatively you could go for a LinkSys router, or any other one at your local pc shop.... They should all work fine, and for a $100 you can't go wrong!

I am super fond of the LinkSys BEFSR41... Super easy web config, and is pretty plug and play, cheap, easy, rock solid, cheap, easy... Did i mention cheap and easy?

 

[fmonteiro]

I am using at home a DI-704P from D-Link. Pretty good. Very cheap, very easy to config. I would suggest you a DI-707, Gateway, Firewall & 7-port Switch. Please check at

http://www.dlink.com.

 

[Marshall22]

I took a look at the BEFSR41, and its later model, the 8 port instead of the 4. Its like $100, may try it out. Do you have any pictures of the Web Config that linksys BEFSR41 uses?

 

[tschouten]

I would say LinkSys is the way to go on that as well, heck Cisco just bought them...go figure.

 

[dredoggg]

The user guide at ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/befsr81ug.pdf has some screen shots of the web config.... Its super easy, as any of the inexpensive routers will be.