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Switch Vs. Router?

N

NTB

Diamond Member
I'm trying to split a single cable internet connection between two computers - in two seperate rooms, so an extra NIC + crossover won't do it - and was wondering if I could do it with a switch rather than a router, because of the difference in cost (~$50). I've already read the network FAQs here on AT, and here's what's buging me:



<< Most internet cable service register the MAC number (id) of the Network Card. By using a hub (or router) your cable modem is not connected any more to the original card so the number that is seen by the cable service is different. You will have to contact your cable company to arrange a change (if their policies allow it). >>



Now, I believe that I should be able to get away with this, because a) a friend of mine has his set up w/ a router, which he never has told the cable company about, and it works, and b)I've used several different network cards on with this modem and never had a problem.

Also, It seems to me that the only difference between the router and the switch, besides the price, is the hardware fire wall - something I'm not all that worried about anyway. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks!

Nate
 
Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?...that's a great explanation by JackMDS.

There really isn't that much a price difference between routers and switches now. You can get a router for about $50 and up. If you do decide to go with the switch, I think you can set up ICS to have your other computer connect to the internet. Your computer will have to be the gateway. Keep in mind that if you go with ICS, your computer will have to be on for the other computer to access the internet. Hope this helps.

EDIT: (to add some more stuff) I have an SMC router and it has the ability to clone MAC address, and I believe the Linksys and Netgear routers can do the same thing. Some cable companies will allow keep about 5 MAC addresses (more or less) on file. If you log on with more than 5 different MAC address, I think they will stop your service until you can explain to them why you have so many MAC addresses being registered. Most cable companies will allow you to have a router, it's just that they say that they do not support LANs.

The router is basically a switch with a firewall, because a router has a built in switch. The hardware firewall that comes with a router is a really good protective measure against hackers. It will keep out most of the incoming traffic, and you can get a software firewall to block the outgoing traffic.
 


<< Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?...that's a great explanation by JackMDS. >>



That's where I got the quote in the original post from. I know all of this stuff can be found cheaper on line, but I was going to pick it up somewhere around my house instead - and the difference between a 4-port switch and a 4-port router is $50 at full retail. However, I just found out that one of the stores around here has the linksys routers on sale. So I think I'm going to pick one of those up. 😀

Nate
 
Look at Dells site and they have the Linksys 4 port routers on sale for about $70.00 pricematch it at Staples.
Bleep
 
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