I am running MS Small Business Server 2000 and a 10mbps LAN in a very small office.
I have two questions:
1) We currently use 2 hubs and the ethernet connections on our router/dsl modem for our connetions. What are the advantages of going to a switch (such as an unmanaged 16 port switch)? Will I see some perfomance gains?
2) We are using the DSL Modem/Router that our ISP provided. I’d love to upgrade to a little Router/Firewall unit (without spending the big bucks for a dedicated firewall appliance). Can I pretty safely just unhook my current DSL Modem/Router and hook up a little Router/Firewall unit? Or will I lose my DSL if I do that (I’m assuming I would, since the Router/Firewall unit would not have the DSL Modem capability)? Or can I keep my DSL modem and just add the SOHO Router/Firewall unit behind it to act as my firewall (this will also hold down my costs alot)?
The firewall appliances I’ve priced are all in the 300-400 dollar range. If I can get some protection for 80-100 bucks, this would be a big win.
Thanks for you time and help.
Andy