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How do I replace my firewall and open a port?

I have two Dot Net web services running successfully on Windows 2003, from behind my firewall. I have two ports opened, and it works fine. But I need to remove the firewall soon.

Do I need a router to replace it? I need a few computers connected to a single cable modem. I have a switch, but that's of no use, right? I can not connect a switch to the Comcast modem, can I?

Anyway, I need to host whose two web services without a firewall. Is that a dumb thing to do? Can someone get into my computer that way if I use a simple router instead of a firewall?

Can I replace the hardware firewall with a software firewall already included with Windows XP and Windows 2003?

thanks,
newbieweb

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drichards

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curiouswebster

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I actually would be happy to keep my SonicWall TZ170. I'm very happy with it. But I may need to sell it to raise some cash for my company. And they sem to sell for over $300 on eBay.

What's the cheapest way to get hardware firewall protection?

thanks,
newbieweb

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dweppenaar

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drichards

Depending on what you want, broadband routers range from ~$50 to maybe $150. I'm not sure it's worth trading in what you've got, though. If you are using any of the optional features of the TZ170, then the replacement price will go up to cover the additional features. Also, the SonicWall applicance may (I don't know that model specifically) have more advanced NAT capability to avoid having to use non-standard ports if you have multiple servers as I mentioned previously.

Again, I would not recommend using a PC for the task. For one, you'd still need additional equipment to hook up the rest of your computers. More significantly, you'd have issues trying to set up effective firewall security vs. a canned appliance solution.