Router vs Switch

[dilligaf586]

I would like some information on using a wired network switch vs a router. I use cable for my Broadband connection, and I have 3 computers setup on a home network. I am also adding VOIP to the network.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RebateMonger]

What do you want to know?

The commonly accepted, secure, way of connecting a home network to the Internet is to use a router. The router performs Network Address Translation, allowing multiple PCs to share a single Internet IP address, and protects your network both in this way and with various Firewall functions.

Switches are like "extension cords", allowing more computers to be connected than just the (typically four) LAN ports on the router. Switches are also useful when you need to run an Internet connection to distant parts of a home and have multiple connections there.

 

[dilligaf586]

thanks for the reply.

 

[montypythizzle]

you HAVE to have a router then after you have used all the ports on the back (which is a built in switch) then get a switch or else if you have a crapload of computers in one room put a switch in that room so you only have to have one long cable instead of 2 or 3 or 4ofwhich i have

but rebate monger is er right! oh you MAY have confused him with the NAT and his grammar and punctuation AND capitalization p00ns mine

 

[marulee]

wired network switch is a managed switch?

 

[ch33zw1z]

marulee: Network switches can be managed, such as a Cisco switch. SOHO Router/switches are usually not manageable, meaning you plug them in and let them run. The device does have options for network configuration, but you can't configured the switched ports directly.