Server 2000 vs Hardware router

[pochrist1]

I'm studying up on networking with Windows 2000, I currently have a harware router managing my internet sharing. After reading up on NAT routing with Win 2K server useing ICS, I thought I might give ICS a try. What I was wondering is are there any advantages with ICS over my Hardware router?

[silencio]

No. Given the cost of the router you already have and the things you could to with the 2000 box and, the fact that your internet connection/sharing is down when 2000 is down, I'd stick with the router.

If you want to get heavy you can use 2000 with ISA server and then you have more things to configure and learn but there's marginal benefit from using a static box.

[NooNoo]

Agreed, Silencio, 2K ICS is simplicity itself to setup but you lose all the benefits that the router provides... (I know I use 2K ics!)

Learning how to map through ICS however is a little tricky so if you wanted to do it just for the experience, you could, then put the router back on!