Hardware Firewall - Do I need one?

[Cherokee]

I have Verizon FiOS to my network via a D-Link wireless router (DI-624). The wireless connectivity is disabled. I have a network of about twenty PCs. Three PCs have data I want to protect - my work laptop, my personal desktop, and my wife's desktop. The rest of the PCs are in a Folding Farm just crunching numbers.

I have a private network (192.168.0.XXX) supporting all the PCs and Norton Personal firewalls on the three PCs I want to protect. I have disabled the Windows firewall on all the PCs.

Do I need a hardware firewall and why? I don't expect anyone to fully educate me on this matter. I just want to know if this is something I need to consider. I have been running this network for about two years and have not had any issue with hackers. Have I been lucky?

If I need a hardware firewall, could you please suggest some reading material to get me headed in the right direction?

A while back I downloaded the free firewall suggested in another thread. I tried to get that up and running but had problems with the interaction between that and the Verizon FiOS. I gave up on that after a few hours working it. Friends have suggested the Cisco PIX 501 and it is within my budget. Is that a recommended option if I need a hardware firewall.

[lbmest]

Hey Cherokee,
You've got a hardware firewall in that router. Most home routers have that capability included.
http://support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DI%2D624
Here's some good explanatory reading -
http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html
HTH

[Cherokee]

I followed your link to the D Link information and was surprised that I do indeed have a hardware firewall. I now have to learn what it can do and what I need to use to protect my network. Right now the firewall is totally disabled.

Thanks!

[Colemanguy]

A pix firewall is probably overkill for a home network unless your learned/trained in cisco routers. I use one at my home but i also have various public servers and such running not a normal home user. If your not doing hosting or advanced routing from home, you really don't need the pix your friends are recommending.

[Cherokee]

I just started reading about the capabilities of the DLink router Verizon installed and think it is all I need in conjunction with the Norton Personal Firewalls and an active ad-ware monitor on the three machines I want to protect.

Thanks for the help!