Is router and switch the same?Help?

Question

I have 2 pcs and i want both of them to access the net...can i use either of them???help

Answer 1

Hi

Modem: Can be traditional dial-up modem or broadband modem (DSL).

Router: Acts as a gateway between your network (or single PC) and the internet. On a network it will automatically send and receive packets for multiple computers on your network and then translate the responses and send them to the correct computer - Using NAT (Network Address Translation) so that you only need 1 public IP address - Not one for each PC. Many Routers now have built in Broadband modems. Many Routers also have built in switches (See below).

Switch: Usually has 4 sockets for a small one. This basically connects more than 2 computers together into a network. Most modern switches are powered which provides signal amplification and also faster switching times (Most use intelligent switching to keep your bandwidth speeds high).

If you want to connect 2 computers to the internet, the simplest way would be to get a BB router with a BB modem and switch built into it. This will take care of everything and will simplify everything for you. You will need to make sure both computers have a network card.

The cheapest way to do it, is to use ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). This basically means grabbing a crossover cable and plugging each end into a computer (Note this only works between 2 computers - Or 3 computers if one has 2 network cards). Then you can setup one comeputer to share it's internet connection - Though ideally this computer should use XP (pro) or NT operating system as the Win9x series isn't the easiest to use ICS with.

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Hope that helps

J

Answer 2

Hugh is correct, but to go a little deeper, think of a router as a traffic cop. He is standing at the intersection making individual decisions on who is allowed to go out to, or come in from the Internet based on IP network address.

A switch is good for connecting a bunch of computers together in a local environment, not even looking at the ip address.

So, you need a router to get to the internet, and a switch to hook up lots of computers. A cable or dsl modem has a router built in so in theory at this point you only need a switch to hook to it. Here is the problem: This cable or dsl modem has an IP address assigned to its lan port. If you plug your computer into it, with or without a switch, anyone in the world can get to your computer and do nasty things to it. You will need a strong firewall to block them.

If you instead hooked up a router, this IP address becomes the routers IP address. The router would then assign your computer a private IP address that is not reachable from the Internet...thus you are safe from these type of attacks. Just make sure you assign your router a strong password on the admin port.

Yes, you still need a software firewall for when you are actually surfing because you made the connection to them.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

A router routes. A switch switches. You probably want a router with a built in switch. Try a Linksys WRT54G.

Answer 4

nope they are not the same.. u need a router or probably a wireless router....

Answer 5

you need to use the router http://www.homenethelp.com/