Router, or Switch?

[n7vxj]

Guys, I wanna hook up two computers to the same broadband connection.They won't be using the net at the same time, but I need to know exactly what I need to do this.Do I need just a regular swith, or one with the uplink thing, or a router?:confused:

[Mntsnow]

Look into something like the Linksys or SMC dsl/cable modem routers. They will allow you to have multiple systems connected to the net using a single connection and provide you with a NAT based firewall protection to boot

[MDS]

I picked up a Linksys BEFSR41 router for $50 used and I seen @ TechIMO that someone has one for like $49 I think used.

"LinkSys BEFSR41ver2 Etherfast Cable/DSL Router with 4 port switch, UPnP,NAT,VPN-IPSec PPTP,configurable thru web browser,DMZ, DHCP price $49"

here (http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58129&highlight=router)

[Buzioid]

What is a switch for? Is it just for handling more connections?

[a Bill]

A router handles traffic across networks while a switch just passes traffic.

I don't know how to phrase it simpler. A router normally only has one input and one output while a switch has multiple input/outputs. The router is usually used as a gateway and does NAT while a switch usually does nothing other than connect a bunch of computers to each other.

The confusing part is that you can use the same switch on multiple networks with your computer handling the routing. Also many consumer level routers are built into switches.

Just buy a LinkSys or SMC router with a built in four or eight port switch and call it a day as was posted in previous posts above :)

[LordKwiKSilva00]

compare a switch with a hub. a switch, say an 8 port 10/100 switch, you get 8 seperate 10/100 connections...all computers running with a switch get their own 10/100 connection...with a hub, each computer shares a 10/100 switch across all ports, say a 10/100 hub with 4 ports. all 4 computers share 1 10/100 connection, while with a switch all computers get their own 10/100 connection...at least this is what i was always taught anyways...correct me if i am wrong guys...

[NDC]

Think of a switch as hub with a brain... ;)

[LordKwiKSilva00]

lol...true, true :p

[Buzioid]

Thanks for the help, I think that I get it now.

[n7vxj]

Guys, after your advice, I'm looking at a Netgear RP614 Router with 4 ports.Is anyone familiar with these, or can you guys check them out, and give me some advice on them, please.

[blackwatch]

Originally posted by MDS
I picked up a Linksys BEFSR41 router for $50 used and I seen @ TechIMO that someone has one for like $49 I think used.

"LinkSys BEFSR41ver2 Etherfast Cable/DSL Router with 4 port switch, UPnP,NAT,VPN-IPSec PPTP,configurable thru web browser,DMZ, DHCP price $49"

here (http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58129&highlight=router)

thats what i have and i have 3 comps connected...works fabulously.