Running Two LANs on checkpoint safe@office500w

[gsxrian]

Is it possible to run two LAN's on a Checkpoint safe@office 500w router ?
I have two different domains running Exchange 03 and Exchange 07 and would like to be able to access them seperately.
I have one Fiber connection for internet.
Thanks

[thiggins]

Are you looking to use VLANs or do you need routed subnets?

[scotty]

According to their site (http://www.checkpoint.com/products/safe@office/safe@office_moreinfo.html), the unit supports port based VLANing (with the 'powerpack'), so that would mean yes, you could split up your networks without too much hassle.

[gsxrian]

What is the pro vs con of VLAN over routed subnet ?
Thanks

[scotty]

Keep in mind, they aren't mutually exclusive, and you can have have a mixture of VLANs and different subnets in various networks. In the context of a small network, VLAN support is more common amongst routers (like your checkpoint), and port based VLANing can be a little simpler to impliment for basic network segregation. As such, VLANing is probably the better/easier way to go. It's also usually slightly easier to arrange VLANs over multiple physical spaces. For some, VLAN's can also be a little simpler to understand.

In larger networks, you can have a whole variety of VLANs over subnets, depending on needs. But that's can get into pretty complex network planning. I've done a few 'two companies one internet connection' types of setups and port based vlaning on a router like yours is usually the best way to go. Although in fairness, I've done a few multi-subnet setups, too.

[gsxrian]

Thanks for the feedback!
I guess my options are buy the powerpack or buy another router and at least have a backup router, for my primary network.

[gsxrian]

Does the utilization of VLAN's cause a loss of performance ?
Thanks

[thiggins]

Possibly. But VLANing (without routing) is usually handled in the switch chip without loss of performance.