i have a network of 40 users/computers, with a cisco 1760 router. i need a firewall that will also act as a vpn hub for 10 vpns coming from other parts of the country uploading 12 hours of video per day, thats a total of 120 hours of video surveillance per day. i am using exchange 2003 on a windows 2003 domain connecting these branch offices. what are the differences in using a sonicwall 2040 firewall, and using ISA server 2004 on a midgrade server? thanks for the comments

Check out www.ipcop.org. I've never used it on a network that big, so I'm curious if my pleasant experiences would continue in a more complex environment. "...but in my defense, it was dark, I was drunk, and it was delicious!"

The choice of using hardware or software firewall may be based on the following criterias, advantages and cons. hardware: - Network oriented - Générally faster due to ASIC based encryption - Turn key solutions, nothing to install, no hardware incompatility. - They do 1 job and are optimized for it. - Faster disaster recovery Software: - Host oriented - More flexible - More integrated to the services in place. - Cheaper than appliance based firewall - Several point of failure - Extra services may be used to compromize it Danny Larouche