Query re builtin XP VPN support and need for VPN router

Archived from groups: comp.dcom.vpn (More info?)

I would appreciate it if someone could take the time to clarify when one
needs or not a VPN
router to support the following 2 scenarios.

Is Win XP's support for VPN sufficient or not using a standard router?

Will running Zone Alarm Pro on each of the machines affect the answer?
Would that be reason
enough for buying a VPN router with SPI, i.e., no need for a software
firewall on each machine?

We are currently using dynamic IP addresses for the DSL connection. Since
upgrading to a
static address would cost an extra $20 per month per DSL connection would
that be money well
spent?

Thanks.



______________________Scenario
1_____________________________________________________________
Two or more remote workstations with access to a remote LAN and file server:

WS1 XP
--- XP Pro File Server1
Router --- DSL Modem ..... DSL Modem --- Router
WS2 XP
--- WS3 Win ME

--- WS4 Win ME
___________________________________________________________________________________________


______________________Scenario
2_____________________________________________________________
Two LANs with access to each other's machines, viz., WS1 and WS2 can access
File Server1 and
WS3 and WS4 can access File Server2:

WS1 XP
--- XP Pro File Server1
Router --- DSL Modem ..... DSL Modem --- Router
WS2 XP
--- WS3 Win ME
XP Pro
--- WS4 Win ME
Server2
___________________________________________________________________________________________