I've been trying to figure out how to share my broadband connection throughout my house. At the moment, I'm using a 4-port router.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now my question is in regards to a Network Switch. Is it the same deal as a router (just more ports) or is there some major difference that could stop me buying a 8-16 port switch? :shock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks in advance...

 

 

 

Hitman

A switch will not replace your router - your router connects to the internet via the phone line. A switch will only work on one medium (ethernet in this case). Also, a switch doesn't route.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A switch builds up a database of which machines are connected to which ports and only sends traffic locally on layer 2 of the OSI model. A router builds up a routing table of which direction packets need to be sent in and usually connects 2 networks, such as a home LAN to an ISP's network (edge router) or 2 other routers in an ISP's network (core router). Routers operate on layer 3 of the OSI model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technically, what you have is a router with a 4-port switch attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you need more than 4 machines connected to it?

At the moment, it's 3 PCs and an Xbox 360; but I'm buying a computer for me soon, and I'm also looking at getting some form of network-attached storage device.

I can't remember exactly how this works, but you could consider getting a switch and then plugging it into the router; I know we've had it set up that way before.

At the moment, it's 3 PCs and an Xbox 360; but I'm buying a computer for me soon, and I'm also looking at getting some form of network-attached storage device.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can connect a switch to your router if the router dosent allow devices connected to it to talk to eachother or you need more than 4ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can use a crossover cable to plug the switch into the router the same way you would plug a computer into a router using a standard (aka strait thru) cable.

Thanks, I'll give that a try :D