SPLAT or Windows 2003?

[yipster]

I need some opinions regarding SPLAT.

We currently have 3 checkpoint express boxes configured as a site to site vpn among the 3 sites. All 3 boxes are running Windows 2003 and it runs fine. Would I get better performance if I upgraded all 3 boxes to SPLAT and install the performance pack?

I would like to increase the performance of the VPN and all 3 sites are connected via a T1 to the internet.

Also does SPLAT supports a Dell Poweredge SC430 with 2 dual Intel MT nics and 1 internal Broadcom nic or I will need to purchase new hardware.

Much thanks,
-y

[ddarby1]

If your configuration is already running fine, do you have some other motivation for moving from W2K3 to SPLAT like freeing up the windows licenses?

As regards performance, I don't have any figures, but I think any Check Point source / reseller would tell you that SPLAT will run an Enforcement Module faster than Windows.
SPLAT is also Check Point's primary dev. platform and as such will normally have the most features, etc. - my personal choice.

I'm surprised that a T1 connection would tax your servers enough to need VPN and other acceleration. Those dell servers are P4 2.8 GHz, etc.
aren't they? Performance Pack would mean another license.

Those NICs you mention seem to be well supported, though the Dell Server isn't expressly listed (for NGX):

http://www.checkpoint.com/products/s...ngx/index.html

[Sergej]

The other reason could be multihoming (ISP backup). This function supported on SPLAT without additional license (one of the function checkpoint released for free :)