Server as router and proxy at the same time?

Question

Computer networks

Suppose we have a small office network. Is it possible to use one server as a router and a proxy server at the same time?
For example, why is a router needed in this diagram if you can use one proxy server?

Answer 1

Maybe. Usually a router is a mini-server, a specialized piece of hardware, tailored for the tasks of routing-firewall-NAT and something else. Pluses - small, no mechanics (which means no wear), will not die when the power is suddenly turned off (the server will not die either, but no one canceled fsck and possibly the disappearance of files). Cons - if not only a proxy is planned on the server, but also services available from the outside - DNS, web - you will have to forward ports and all that.
The solution with the server as a router is suitable for those who can administer it themselves. The solution with a router as a router :) is suitable for vindovozniki - then you can put Windows as a proxy :)

Answer 2

Because a proxy is usually a server, with an operating system and all that, and NAT can be a specialized piece of hardware like Cisco.

Answer 3

Well, yes. For example, WIn7+ UserGate. Set up usergate, register users, assign proxies to them. Also on the server itself, you make the external nic common, respectively, to natitsya internal network - the router.