Can you connect a Network switch to a Cable/DSL router?

[seven12]

Hi folks,

I was wondering:

Is it possible to connect a 10/100 Switch to a Cable/DSL router?

For example, I want to pick up one of those LinkSys cable/dsl routers. I want to be able to plug in my Linksys 5port 10/100 switch ( http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=149&grid=7 ) with the idea in mind that I'll be able to share the internet connection with the computer that are plugged into the 10/100 switch.

So for instance, one of the ports on the Cable/DSL router will go to my 5 port switch, any remaining ports on the Cable/DSL router will go to independant computers as I need them. Cable modem will of course plug in to the Cable/DSL router and hopefully I can access the net and all computers on the network from both the 5port switch and through the cable/dsl router. Any opinions on whether this will work or not? Thanks in advance.

 

[Quad]

yes
if u uplink them, u'll be fine

 

[dbwillis]

Yes, that will work, i had the EXACT same setup..but I just sold my switch when I went down to 2 PC's from 4

 

[ktwebb]

Uplink port is not crucial. Use a crossover if you dont have an uplink.

 

[Russ]

<< Is it possible to connect a 10/100 Switch to a Cable/DSL router? >>



You mean like this?

Russ, NCNE

 

[seven12]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm thinking now though - Linksys sells a 4 port and a 1 port Cable/DSL router. Since I already have a 5 port switch and there is no way in hell I'll need to have 9 computers connected, do you think I'd be better off getting the 1 port Cable/DSL router and uplinking my existing 5port 10/100 switch to it? I guess the downside to that is that I'll still have to have one computer on to be able to access the 'net from the other computers...or will I? Thanks agian.

 

[Sukhoi]

No, you won't need to keep another computer on. Just plug the switch into the router.

 

[seven12]

Great! I think that's what I'll get then.

One more question:

Not that I'm a big gamer or anything, but sometimes I like to set up the odd multi-player server. Does a Cable/DSL router make it easier or harder to do this? I know right now, I've got two network cards in my main computer (one goes to the cable modem, the other to my LAN) and it's an absolute NIGHTMARE hosting a multiplayer game or server.

 

[Russ]

Harder then a straight pipe to the server, but easier then ICS. You would use the port forwarding feature, or setup one system as a "DMZ" and use it as the server.

Russ, NCNE

 

[seven12]

<< Harder then a straight pipe to the server, but easier then ICS. You would use the port forwarding feature, or setup one system as a "DMZ" and use it as the server.

Russ, NCNE >>



Cool! Do you know of any articles on the web detailing how to set this up? Or is it all pretty self explanitory once I get the router up and running?

 

[Russ]

Great site with lots of info. Bonus is that it's owned and operated by one of the members here.

Russ, NCNE