why won't my switch work?

[omghaxcode]

I have my cable modem running straight into a 10/100 5-port workgroup switch (Linksys EZHX55W) and one ethernet going to my computer and one to my xbox 360. Why can't I get on Xbox Live? I can go on the internet but I can't log on to live. Is it something to do with not being able to get 2 IPs or something with a switch? any ideas?

 

[JackMDS]

You can Not use a switch for two Network device connected to the Internet you need a Router.

http://www.ezlan.net/faq#routerswitch

Network should look like this, http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

 

[omghaxcode]

but how come I did this exact thing last year in my dorm? (same switch)

 

[somethingsketchy]

Originally posted by: omghaxcode
but how come I did this exact thing last year in my dorm? (same switch)

The reason for that is, is because your school already has assigned you an IP address (for which you can then connect a switch and hook multiple devices for network access). With a cable Internet connection, you don't have a router (such as the school's DHCP server) to assign multiple internal IP addresses for one external IP address.

Like JackMDS said, you'll need a router to connect multiple devices to the same IP address (the one that your cable company gave you).

NOTE: your school may have something like NetReg (what I like to call it at school) or "Network Registration". Or your school allowed you to connect your 360 to the school network (which can be a rarity, mind you, my school doesn't allow consoles to be registered on the school network). In any case, pick up a router and you'll be set.

 

[Paperlantern]

More than likely the school network has DHCP already running on it, with a gateway and all the fixins needed, when you hooked your switch to it, and then your devices, it hit the network and got an address. When you hook the switch to your modem, the modem itself won't distribute IP addresses or create a network environment. As was stated, grab a router and you'll be set.

 

[JackMDS]

Tp put it in a simple term.

In school your switch was Not connected to a Modem, it was connected to a Router.

 

[omghaxcode]

lol ok I kind of figured as much. So on to routers, what makes one router different than another? Should I be looking for something?

 

[Paperlantern]

Depends on what you want to do with it, if you want wireless, get a wireless one, if you dont need wireless, just get a plain ol wired one, really any router should be fine for your simple needs, only if you are really wanting to do something special with it you should worry about what one you get. Just remember you get what you pay for in almost all cases.

 

[omghaxcode]

considering I'm the average home user with no special needs other than port forwarding, will anything do? I don't need wireless. what is a good price point?

 

[Paperlantern]

Well, again reiterating that you get what you pay for, generally speaking i would shoot for something in the $25 - $30 range but lets see what newegg actually has...

If you want sheer cheapnesss though

This will do the job

While that is cheap, and should work (nearly EVERY simple router has a web interface for configuration, and supports port forwarding), it may not last very long, and its performance could be spotty.

Something like even this would be worthwhile, it has really good reviews, although only 3.

If it were me, i would probably spring for the second one, based on the reviews and the price, it looks better than even some of the higher priced stuff out there.