Slow NAT with 2003 Server

[De1l]

Hi,

We have just installed a 2003 Server which is plugged directly into the ISP cable modem and configured NAT to enable Internet access.

We have however noticed a performance decrease compared to the router this has replaced. There is not a huge diference but pages do load noticably slower than before.

It is not a hardware performance issue as when opening many pages at once and downloading multiple files the Server CPU usage never goes above 1%.

Is it just that Windows is not as suited to routing? Or is there anyway we can improve performance?

 

[pgaliardo]

In general, a hardware based router is usually a better solution than a software based. Is there a reason you removed the router that was there? Also, how are you utilizing the server as a router? Are you using RRAS or ISA?

 

[De1l]

Thanks for the reply, we are using RRAS..would we likely see an increase in speed if we used ISA? I have downloaded an evaulation copy but havent tried it yet.

The router was needed elsewhere and I was interested in giving this a try.

 

[pgaliardo]

I can't guarantee that you would see an increase with ISA, although it does stand for Internet Security and Acceleration. We use it, but only as a web proxy. I think for the price you would pay for ISA, you can get a decent router and use that. I think you would see a performance boost then.