win2k file server as router/firewall

i've got a win2k file server. i'd like to setup this computer as a nat router and firewall for the lan. however, i'm having trouble getting everything to work properly.

the server has two nics. a dsl modem is hooked up to one and the other is hooked up to a switch. my problem is that i can't find the balance that allows local network traffic to flow freely while restricting external traffic. i'd like to use ipsec for the firewall, but can i use ipsec with legacy oses on the lan and devices such as network printers? i read from microsoft that only 2k and above have ipsec support.

anyone have a suggestion on the best way to go about doing this? i've tried lots of third-party software... nothing wants to work right. i'm about out of hair to pull.

thanks. :-)

Hello,
First, it is not a good idea to use a file server as a firewall.
I would like to suggest that you will take a dedicated machine for this.
If you want good (and free + easy firewall) take IPCOP (linux based).

If you still ensist on Windows 2000 Server based sollution - I suggest you will deply ISA Server.


Cheers,
Gabriel

well i got it working

i got rid of active directory and dns. now i've just got dhcp, rras, and some file and print shares with an ipsec policy.

thanks for the suggestion gabriel. because of what i have to work with, i avoided a second machine for the time being.

thanks.