Router VS. Switch

[beverage]

What is the difference between a Router and a Switch. I'm looking into networking the three computers in my house and want to be able to print from all three to a single printer, and also share files as well as my internet connection. I connect to the internet with DSL, however my DSL modem is a PCI modem, so there is no external device as I've seen some networks use. I realize the switches I've seen are usually considerably cheaper than routers with the same number of ports. Can I get away with spending less money? Or do I need a Router to do what I want to do?

thanks

 

[zzzz]

go here use search

 

[corkyg]

Go here for a comprehensive explanation of the difference between a router and a switch: Diff

Basically, a router is a switch plus a NAT firewall.

 

[Viper GTS]

A switch is a smart hub, a router connects two disparate networks and translates traffic between them.

A switch will work fine for what you want, you will need to run ICS on the box with the DSL "modem" installed.

Viper GTS

 

[beverage]

ok, so i know this should really be in the networking forum...since it's here, i have one more question. I read that since most DSL is done with pppoe a simple switch won't work....is this correct? I guess I'm gonna have to spend more than 40 bucks...

 

[ScottMac]

If you're only getting one address from the provider, then you need a device to represent that one address while providing discreet addressing for the multiple devices hooked up behind it. That device would be a router / firewall doing Network Address Translation (NAT).

If you used a switch, each computer connected to it will need an address from the provider, and (if necessary) PPPoE / PPPoA.

If you use one of the popular consumer routers, it'll do the PPPoE, NAT, and firewall stuff. Many/most now also have a switch built in for four or eight machines.

There are also ways you can use a computer with two NICs to act as your NAT/firewall using Internet connection sharing.
Do a search, the topic has been covered many times.

You're probably looking for a router .....

FWIW

Scott

 

[rw120555]

Life would be easiest if you had an external dsl modem that could be connected to a router (or a combination modem/router, such as the 2wire homeportal 1000). That way, you wouldn't be dependent on an always-on pc to act as your server. But yes, you can make this fly using a switch and ICS (or similar) software. See Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing. You are basically option 1, except instead of connecting pc1 to pc2 via crossover cable, you are connecting pc1 via regular cable to switch.