Help with cable/hub/router/switch/ ham sandwich

[scm518]

Okay I'm eating the ham sandwich -- so consider that a non-issue.

Okay I have my Motorola SB 4100 cable modem from Optimum Online. I have 2 computers each with a NIC - and a friend told me that I should just buy a "switch" and I could hook it all up (2 Nics to switch --- switch to cable modem) and i would be all set. However, I do need a router, correct? If this is true can someone please confirm this, and secondly can you let me know how I should be hooking all this up. I would love for this all to work "out of box" Trying to keep expenses low, so if you can suggest something lemme know.

would it be like this?

(2) computer w/ nics ----> switch ----> router ---->cable modem.

What was, if any, the benefit of buying the switch??

Lastly how many crossover cables should I need with the best possible configuration that I can do with your suggestions.

Thanks and sorry for so many questions...

Sean

 

[Thyme]

That depends on the cable company. You need to ask if you you need to route the IP addresses yourself or if they provide you with multiple ones.

 

[Burn]

I think I know what your problem is. You cut the ham sandwich into squares instead of triangles; didn't you? Rookie mistake...

 

[scm518]

Indeed, my ham was square.

I have optimum online -- dynamic Ip address -- doh I apparently dont know enough to help the people that are trying to help me -- anyone else can give it a shot too =)

(_8u(|)

 

[TunaBoo]

Get a netgear RT314, built in 4 port switch/router cable.


OR buy a router and a switch. All ya need is 1 crossover which came with my router (nethear rt311)

 

[Mday]

if you already have a switch, buy a one port linksys router.

 

[Journeyman]

You only need the switch if you buy a single port router. Simplify things and get yourself a multi-port router - it'll most likely be less expensive, too (multi-port router vs router + switch + cable to go between). Otherwise your diagram is sound.

- Uninstall any software the cable modem company gave you (you won't need it, and it might interfere with your new setup).
- Cat 5 runs from the cable modem to the uplink on the router, and from each computer's NIC to the ports on the router.
- Ensure each computer is set up for DDNS (lets the router assign the IPs).
- Follow the router instructions to allow it to login to your cable provider (using PPPoE or whatever).

Simple, quick, and effective.

Seems your two best choices in a router would be the Netgear (RT314) or the SMC Barracade.

Have fun!

 

[splice]

OK I think I know what you are asking...You currently have 2 computers each with a NIC... and you have not bought a switch or router. Assuming this is correct all you would need to buy is a Linksys 4Port DSL router. It has 1 WAN port for your external modem and 4 10/100 ports on the router's built-in switch for the 2 computers which will be on your LAN. That should be all you need to buy.