Router vs. Proxy Server

[Moonark]

Hey does anyone know the pros and cons of this? I prefir routers but everyone I work with likes a proxy.. what do you prefir and which is actually better

 

[Shadow07]

You are talking about 2 different type of nodes on a network. A proxy server is more or less than a firewall. It will provide you with basic NAT and caches web content. You can configure the proxy to cache other types of content. This machine will have more than one NIC installed in it.

A router allows you to access remote subnets. They works at LAYER 3 in the OSI model, and can only provide mininal protection. Some routers come with the option of installing a firewall on them. You can create access lists on some routers which will control access to certain subnets based on certain criteria that the administrator sets; but if you want true firewall support, go out and get a firewall product.

Some proxy servers out there are just good for caching content. Some others give you control of who can access the Internet, what sites, and when; like Proxy 2.0 from Microsoft. If you want to control Internet access, I would look at a firewall proxy, like Symantec/AXENT Raptor Firewall, or the Watchguard Firebox II, or even CheckPoint.