Router/Switch/Firewall

[Spearball]

Is it possible to have a server which acts as a router/switch and firewall? Somewhat like a wireless router you would buy like the d-link extreme wireless n. Also, would it be better and safer to have an actual router like the d-link running or a server with the other computers connected through that?
How would i come about to set this up and what will i need?
Thanks

[Statica]

There are a number of server OS' out there that can double up as a router and they are usually more effective than the simple routers that you buy off the shelves of your electronic boxstores. Your choices are pretty much only limited by your expertise in the particular server OS. The *NIX (Linux or UNIX) are usually the most powerful & easy (personal taste) to configure.
For example: check out - http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/home-router-howto.xml
If you dont want a full distribution you can get customized or mini distributions that will do just routing & firewalling tasks.

Re: whether it is safer and better.
Well the answer, as with most other things, depends on your level of expertise. A router like the one you mentioned is idiot proofed and does it's job effectively for typical home situations. It is also ideal if you dont want to keep a computer running all the time and deal with the energy costs, or have to troubleshoot & patch a whole other system.

A Linux router, for example, is more powerful and is way more configurable than your average Dlink. But you need to know what you're doing or you'll be sitting with a vulnerable network.

[mojo]

I'd take a look at ipcop, smoothwall, and monowall. I've been running ipcop for years and i'm extremely pleased with it. My network consists of the ipcop box and a switch and runs great. You can add any switches or APs that you want.