connecting dsl modem, switch and computers

[KayGee]

hey guys, i want to connect 2 desktops to an ethernet switch which is connected to my dsl modem. my question, do i need to run crossover cable from the modem to the switch (NETGEAR FS605 v2) or will patch cable work? also, am i right in thinking that i should run patch cable from the switch to the 2 desktops? any help will be appreciated. thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Usually Modems need straight patch to connect to Uplink port, and crossover to a regular Switch port. However some modem could be the reverse. So what ever is the cable that came with the Modem has to be connected to the Uplink of the Switch. If there is No Uplink on your switch then the opposite type of cable has to go to a regular port.

P.S. To share Internet through a Switch you need two external IPs otherwise it will not work.

You might want to read this first.

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

:sun:

 

[KayGee]

thanks for the info JackMDS. well, the main purpose of my network is so i have access to shared resources on both desktops and be connected to the internet at the same time on atleast one pc. i'm not so concerned about internet connection sharing right now. i'm also thinking about the router option. can you confirm that file and resource sharing is possible with a router. also, i understand that internet connection sharing without a router means that the host computer has to be on at all times. i guess my question now is, which is better for resource sharing and internet access simultaneously, a switch or a router? i guess i'm a little confused now. thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

What you call a Router is a combo unit of Routing circuits and a Switch.

So when you use a ?Router? your computers are actually on a Switch just like they are Now and every thing concerning Local Network (LAN) is basically the same.

The Routing part simply makes the computers capable of using the outside (Internet) independently, it does affect the LAN.

:sun:

 

[KayGee]

so if i have a router, will i be able to map drives and access shared folders on the 2 computers and be connected "independently" to the internet all at the same time. by independently, i mean, does one computer have to be on at all times to browse the internet (like in ics)? in other words, if i don't have any more file, printer or drive sharing to do, can i just switch off any computer that i don't need and still be connected to the internet on the computer that's on? thanks JackMDS.

 

[JackMDS]

Will i be able to map drives and access shared folders on the 2 computers? YES

Connected "independently" to the internet all at the same time? YES

Does one computer have to be on at all times to browse the internet (like in ics)? NO

In other words, if i don't have any more file, printer or drive sharing to do, can i just switch off any computer that I don't need and still be connected to the internet on the computer that's on? YES.

Here is the way it would Look: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

:sun:

P.S. Since you are on DSL read this too: DSL PPPOE and Cable/DSL Routers.

 

[KayGee]

thanks a lot JackMDS. that answers all my questions and clears all my doubts. thanks again.