hardware or software router

I'm currently using proxy server as a solution to connect all the computer in my house so that every computer can connect to internet through the computer as the proxy server. However, I'd experience slow internet connection when connecting through the proxy, furthermore, the internal connection to the proxy kept disconnecting regularly.
So, someone suggest me to go for a router. Is the hardware router or the software router gives better performance? As for software router, which software will do the best? All the computers is using WinXP and the computer with internet connection is connected to the ISP server through network line.

 

One computer "truism" that I've never found an exception to is that hardware solutions are faster than software solutions.

I think this is especially true of routers and firewalls. And a good router/switch will also probably include a firewall.

I connect at home using a LinkSys device and love it. I understand NetGear devices are also well though of. I use the version that has a port for broadband (cable/dsl) but they make them without or you could get one with the broadband port and just not use it. Likewise with the DHCP features that are built in. Use or don't use depending on your situation. Good for up to 250 users or so. Not suitable if your network is larger.

Without knowing specifics about your network it is difficult to know if you would do better with a router/switch or if you only need a router though.

 

I was not awre of such a thing as a Software Router but I know there is both a Software and a Hardware Firewall.

If My opinion is worth anything, plan for the future and get a Router/Switch. Also the Router/Switch helps to keep the Local Area Network and the Internet separated.

I also have a Linksys Router/Switch which provides the Hardware Firewall for incoming attempts and a Software Firewall for outgoing control.

BillyBob

 

Hardware.

The Linksys is great. - Its what I use.

The only "software" router/firewall that I have seen that did not noticeably slow down connections was Coyote Linux which is a single floppy that your door stop retired computer reborn with the task of Router boots from.

The system you choose to use needs a FDD, video, 2 NICs or 1 NIC & 1 modem for dialups. - No CDrom, or HDD required! - Best of all Its FREE!

The reason I chose to go with the Linksys was based on long term power consumption and space. - It could run on batteries if needed, it uses so little power. - Likewise I have too many systems allready - I did not want to have another just for that.