Turn Windows into a router-firewall?

Is there a piece of software, perhaps more robust than Microsoft's ICS, which can turn a Windows PC into a router with NAT?

I have a Verizon 4G card and want to put a couple PC's behind it to route through my laptop, and onto Verizon. Because of the Verizon software, it needs to run in Windows. Any suggestions?

 

I don't know if this can help you but i found this :

http://superuser.com/questions/177691/home-network-with-windows-7-as-router

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/how_to_turn_your_windows_7_computer_into_a_wireles.php

Rules.

 

There are a bunch of utiltiies out there that install a Firewall Operating System onto the HD and it can act as a stand alone firewall. Down side is thats all it is.

Heres a semi comprehensive list:

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5408566&postcount=1

 

I think that major point may of been missed by some.

You would need to post more info, such as which windows you are running, and what protocols will need to be NAT. Are you looking for a stand-alone app or NAT integrated into a packet filter/firewall?

Do you actually need a NAT? Would a local proxy server work for you? Example:- http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/Network/proxy/Freeware.htm


- Stem

 

NAT, firewall rules like port forwarding, etc. If it has the same capability as a Linksys SOHO router, that would be fine.

 

Forget it. Really. I used a Windows XP PC looong time ago as a router. Required Kerio Winroute Firewall to do the job. On workstation variants of Windows, this simply is not doable in a reasonable safe way, just via ICS or third-party firewall with routing support.

 

Kerio. OK, thanks.

I need this in a pinch. I'll be moving one of our branch offices and if the MPLS circuit doesn't come in in time, I can get them to the Internet this way. Security or preference be damned, I have to make it work.

 

You have still not mentioned which windows OS you are running.

As it is a temporary solution you are looking for, then maybe(depending on your OS and setup needs) Injoy may work for you. http://www.fx.dk/firewall/

I still have my gateway with XP pro, and use CHX-nat which works well for my own home LAN.(which is just to allow controlled outbound for some resources/updates for the LAN nodes). I have L`n`S firewall on all gateway NICs


- Stem

 

You can do, and how ! Without any extra software.

If you are using Windows 7, stay away from these recommend third-party ......

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc755301(WS.10).aspx

http://www.blogsdna.com/5506/how-to-setup-virtual-wifi-in-windows-7-without-any-extra-software.htm

The possibilities are endless for this useful but little known windows-7 feature.

have fun ...

 

I beg your pardon, but:

- netsh has been there ever since XP

(your second link) hardly sounds like what the OP wants, ICS is just insecure crap and has always been and does not matter whether you activate it via netsh or GUI.

 

Sure that there is, but there must also be network adapter drivers called "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter", and I'm not sure if one came with XP.

You have a thousand and one possibilities to protect ICS, windows 7's built-in, read around the net is good to understand certain things, google is also used for this!

have fun ...

 

There were other ways to create virtual network adapter if that was needed. Not that it would exactly help the case.

This seriously is not much fan. There is a good reason why just about noone uses Windows for serious routing - since even a bootable Linux floppy does a whole lot better job at that, so does a $30 WiFi AP. Using native Windows features for this purpose is doable with server Windosw and RRAS feature, still would prefer a third-party product for that purpose, frankly.

==========

For the OP: From what I read, the Verizon 4G modem works just fine on Linux and Mac.

http://www.pagey.info/2011/01/using-pantech-uml290-on-ubuntu-linux.html

http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-news/740974-verizon-4g-modem-works-mac-linux.html