>Hi
>
>I have 2 IT suppliers working with me and we're discussing security - one advises just a NAT router and the other Sonicwall hardware firewall
>
>Our applications involve multiple incoming connections and we're transmitting data around the world over the Internet all the time
>
>We also make extensive use of Skype
>
>Are both solutions equally secure?
>
>Thanks
>
>Colin


Colin, NAT is a useful solution if you want to hide internal workstation IP address' and/or you have a limited number of static IP address' allocated to you. It can be considered a defensive measure and part of an overall security plan. However it does not replace an actual firewall solution. The correct solution you implement should include (a) firewalls for all internet facing networks, (b) intrusion detection/prevention systems on all internet facing networks, and (c) (ideally) implementing a VPN solution to protect all data in transit through the internet.

Some vendors like Symantec and Checkpoint provide out-of-the-box appliances that can do all these things but one needs to double check that they can handle the loads that you will be processing.