Connecting cable modem to a wireless router and switch

[spacejamz]

EDIT:: I guess need to connect the switch to the router first because of the single IP address...

My cable modem only has one network port. Is there any difference in what order they are connected?

Cable Modem -> Wireless Router -> Switch

Cable Modem -> Switch -> Wireless Router


Cable modem is Netgear CM700 and the wireless router is a TP Link AC3200 if that makes a difference.

If I wanted to connect a second switch (downstairs), does it matter if it is connected to the router or the switch?

 

[JackMDS]

Cable Modem -> Wireless Router -> Switch is usually the way to go.

Using Wireless Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

If you use Cable Modem -> Switch -> Wireless Router, you cannot connect anything to the Switch but the Router, or a special device that meant to be use without a Router.

 

[VirtualLarry]

You need the router functionality, to provide for sharing your single (dynamic, usually) IPv4 internet address, to all of the devices on your local LAN (wired as well as wifi). This functionality is known as NAT.

Normally, you would then connect a switch "behind" or "downstream" from the router, connected to the router's ports, to provide more more for a local wired LAN.

Interestingly, what you can do, is connect your local LAN PCs to a gigabit switch, and still uplink it to a router with 10/100 LAN ports, to connect to the internet. So long as your internet connection speed is below 100Mbit/sec, that then is not a problem. But given the technology available today, it's generally still better if buying a new router, to get one with both gigabit LAN, as well as WAN, ports. (Or better!)

I am kind of curious, though, about what the "scoop" is with IPv6-native ISPs, regarding the order of router and switch. If all LAN PCs (within your IPv6 'prefix'), get a unique IPv6 address, and there is no NAT, then I'm wondering if in the future, if IPv6-native ISPs (if and only if you don't also care about IPv4 connectivity), could be attached via a switch, and not have a router in-between? Granted, I'm not sure how that works, with RA and PD if you have no router. But in theory, since there is no NAT, and virtually-unlimited (/64 prefix for your LAN) IPv6 addresses, I think a switch could work.