Connecting GB Switch to existing Netgear Router to add ports?

[dalfollo]

I have Cable access with a Netgear RT314 gateway router that has built in 4 port switch.

I have run out of ports...but as luck would have it I have EZ800-S 8-port network (Gigafast ethernet) mini switch that I got on a deal at New Egg, maybe a year ago, just for this occasion....I have a couple questions though....

Current Config
Cable comes in through a Motorola Cable Modem
The Cable modem is connected to the Netgear router
All the PCs are connected to the Netgear Router

New Config A
Cable comes in through a Motorola Cable Modem
The CAble modem is connected to the Netgear router
The new switch is connected to the Netgear router
All the PCs are connected to the new switch (this means I lose the ports on the Netgear router)


New Config B
Cable comes in through a Motorola Cable Modem
The CAble modem is connected to the Netgear router
The new switch is connected to the Netgear router
All the PCs are connected to the new switch AND the Netgear Router

On the box for the new Switch it says "Any EZ800-S port can be used as an uplink port because the unit will auto-detect uplink"

Is this basically saying that by adding the switch I am simpley adding additional ports to my network? Will my IP addresses for the network simpley go on to the next numbers in the IP? Such as X.Y.Z.5; X.Y.Z.6; X.Y.Z.7; X.Y.Z.8; X.Y.Z.9 ??

Would it be better to keep all my PCs on the same new switch; ir can I use all the ports as needed?

This network is a basic family network with several PCs in several locations, sharing drives and printers...no gaming....

Thanks for any info you have on this.....

 

[Hardlin]

Config A will mean all systems will share the port that is connected to the router. This shouldn't be an issue since the cable modem will be the limiting factor.

Config B will mean systems on the router will be sharing the port that is connected to the switch when talking to the systems on the switch. This also shouldn't be an issue unless you are attempting to do a lot of system to system data transfers.

In a nutshell, either configuration will work just fine for you and the dhcp server in the router should be able to hand out enough IP addresses to take care of all ports.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

I have config B except for the fact that i am using another router instead of a switch.. 3 pc's hooked to the main router, 2 more hooked to the secondary router.

 

[dalfollo]

OK, thanks for the feeback...

I think what I will do is to put my 'power systems' on the Main Netgear Router/Switch, then the lamer PCs (wife and sons on the secondary/new switch).

I did not consider that the new switch will actually be sharing a single port on the main router....Thanks again