Is is a good idea to use Windows Server as a router?

[Guest]

Linksys are really, really good routers. They're not cheapies.

I used to like them. I thought when Cisco took over they would be start making even better equipment. Since then though I stopped using them and moved to Netgear for home products. Anyhow Linksys are still cheap.

Back on topic. A hardware router is a lot cheaper to run than a dedicated Windows server.

[AnthonySterling]

I used to have a 100% Windows based network at home, being a Corporate Domain Administrator it seemed a natural move. Since discovering Linux Firewall, I've not looked back.

I not have DHCP, Caching DNS and Squid Proxy all running on the latest Ubuntu server distro.

My knowledge of Linux fades into insignificance compared to my Windows knowledge, but I'd certainly have a hard time setting up something comparable with a Windows solution.

Saying that, there are times at which I wondered whether the additional power consumption was warranted, so if you're after basic DHCP and routing, stick with a single purpose device.

Edited October 16, 2009 by SilverBulletUK

[Guest]

I personally started with Smoothwall and then messed about with ClarkConnect which I see Budman is recommending. You don't need to have knowledge of Linux to use either. Infact ClarkConnect is where I first started using the CLI in Linux. Great distro for the tech savy home user imo.

I agree though, Linux is way better at some services for anything else Windows is just far more superior.

[Boifido]

I use my home server as a server for 5+ different games [internet, for Scona Gaming Network], and as a media server for 8+ computers.

I have a stand-alone router though, I think using a home server would be too much of a pain and not very good. You'd need multiple ethernet ports on it for one [which I have], to have it function fully.

Fun Fact, I have so many hard drives in my home server that I ran out of sata ports, I have as many internal sata pci cards as my motherboard can hold, so I also have extrernal hard drives inside the case.