Can I use this Switch for my Home Network/Shared Internet Connection?

[neomits]

So I got this Dell PowerConnect 2016 Free when I purchased my PC out of Dell Small Buisness. I'm getting Cable this Friday and want to know if I can use it to setup a small home network between this computer and 1 or two others that can also share the internet connection.

I know a small bit about setting up the shared connection and network but I've never used a switch before. How does it differ and will I still need two NICs for the computer with the cable running into it or can I just run the cable directly into the switch? Which ports do I put which line in?

 

[Fatt]

You need a router.

I suggest a netgear, which I happen to think is the best home LAN router going.

 

[rw120555]

You may or may not need a router instead; see Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing (the 2nd option). But a router is better and also fairly cheap. I also like Netgear. Keep the switch handy for when you add the other 20 computers to your network.

 

[Fatt]

Yeah, you can do connection sharing but the obsessive-comulsive streak in me cringes at the thought.

I mean, think of it this way.


An extra NIC to do ICS is 20 bucks, which is what a netgear NIC sells for at CompUSA. I've used the netgear NIC with Win2000 & 98 as well as several Linux distros and I've never had a lick of trouble.

On the same shelf a Netgear RP614 NAT router with 4-port switch is $100. That's only $80 more than that extra NIC would have cost. I've seen the same router for sale online for $59

Check out the specs here.

$59 @ compuplus

Basically, my point is that it's too cheap to do it right, to NOT do it right.

 

[Torghn]

It depends on your Cable provider. Mine (ATT) will release as many IP address as I connect to the modem so a switch works perfectly for me.

 

[Fatt]

Well that's convenient. As long as they continue to do that for you for free.

Of course, you don't get the firewalling of NAT that way and if you're on a cable connection that's even more important.

Well, at least I think so.

 

[neomits]

Originally posted by: Torghn
It depends on your Cable provider. Mine (ATT) will release as many IP address as I connect to the modem so a switch works perfectly for me.

Well when I called my provider (Earthlink) they have a thing where you can pay for them to setup a home network and then pay 10 bucks a month to keep it. I called them and asked them if I could set it up myself and if it would cost anything and they said no. How would I know if I can use a switch or not.

I'll be getting the cable installed this friday but I'd like to know so that if I don't need the Switch I can trade it for a router.

 

[Fatt]

Call them and ask them how many IP addresses they will supply you for what you're paying.

If they say ONE then you need a router.

If they say MORE than one then you can use your switch.

 

[rw120555]

A lot of cable/dsl companies are doing that. In many cases, they give you the 2wire home portal 100 or 1000, which is sort of a neat looking gizmo -- has built in support for homepna, ethernet, even usb, with an option for wireless. But, I just bought a 2wire 100 off ebay for $56 and you can routinely do "buy it now" for $110 or less. The service is probably a good deal if you have no idea how to set up things yourself, and if you do have problems they'll have to support you. But, most AN users can probably do fine buying their own router, and they'll save money over the long run.

That is a pretty expensive switch you have (and apparently way overkill for what you need) so if you do trade it you could get a pretty good router, maybe one with wireless in case your ever want it, or a 2wire home portal in case you ever want hpna. Or, get a router + some other gizmo you want (with the 2wire you'd want a 4 port switch too or some hpna cards, since it only has one of each kind of connection).

 

[Torghn]

Originally posted by: neomits

Originally posted by: Torghn It depends on your Cable provider. Mine (ATT) will release as many IP address as I connect to the modem so a switch works perfectly for me.

Well when I called my provider (Earthlink) they have a thing where you can pay for them to setup a home network and then pay 10 bucks a month to keep it. I called them and asked them if I could set it up myself and if it would cost anything and they said no. How would I know if I can use a switch or not. I'll be getting the cable installed this friday but I'd like to know so that if I don't need the Switch I can trade it for a router.

Just plug the cable modem into the uplink of the switch (doesn't have to be the uplink, just depends on the patch cable you're using), and plug the other computers into the switch. If you can get more than 1 IP all the computers will connect as if they where pluged directly into the cable modem.

 

[JackMDS]

Does not matter what you get from the ISP and whether you have switch or not.

If you are going to be charged $10 a month more, go and get a Router. There one on sale every week for less then $50. (That means that after 5 months you start to save Big Time).

If you buy the right Cable/DSL Router, as oppose to a switch that needs klutzy software NAT.
You get Hardware Routing, Firewall, Printer server, and more.

 

[rw120555]

If you are going to be charged $10 a month more, go and get a Router. There one on sale every week for less then $50. (That means that after 5 months you start to save Big Time).

I think they may still charge you for the router, in which case the savings start even sooner than this. In fact, I am not totally sure what the "service" you are paying $10 a month for is, unless it is tech support or the comfort of having their official blessing for your network. I can see them charging for the initial setup, but continuing to charge after that seems a bit dubious. I guess if they'll come out and fix the problems people are always writing to AN about, maybe it is ok, but otherwise I personally wouldn't pay for it.

 

[Torghn]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Does not matter what you get from the ISP and whether you have switch or not. If you are going to be charged $10 a month more, go and get a Router. There one on sale every week for less then $50. (That means that after 5 months you start to save Big Time). If you buy the right Cable/DSL Router, as oppose to a switch that needs klutzy software NAT. You get Hardware Routing, Firewall, Printer server, and more.

Maybe I misunderstood you, but this isn't true. I don't have a router and or any software Nat nor do I pay $10 or any amount extra, and my switch works perfectly for shareing my cable connection. It just depends on your ISP.

 

[rw120555]

Maybe I misunderstood you, but this isn't true. I don't have a router and or any software Nat nor do I pay $10 or any amount extra, and my switch works perfectly for shareing my cable connection. It just depends on your ISP.

I think the main point is, don't pay the 10 bucks a month! You can do it yourself. As far as router versus switch, even if your cable will hand out multiple IPs (which I suspect is somewhat unusual) a router can give you NAT, a firewall, a print server, etc. Given that neomits currently has a 16 port switch and only 3 pcs, there are probably better freebies he can get from Dell for his money. If you still prefer a switch, buy a cheapie 4 port one and get something more useful from Dell, even if it is something totally different.