Switch or Router or Both?

[ankapadi]

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a switch or another router and needed some help in deciding.

I currently have a verizon actiontec router (the standard one VZ provides). So, the configuration is coaxial directly into the router, then some devices connected either via hard wire or wireless.

I am in need of more ports so I am in the market to purchase either a router or switch. When I look online most of the routers only have 4 or 5 ports, while a switch can provide up to 10 ports for similar price.

The devices that will connect to the new router or switch will need access to the internet.

I still don't have a clear understanding after googling and searching the forum. My question is two fold:

1.) Can a switch connect to a router and still have internet access?

2.) Ideally, I would like to purchase the switch since it has the flexibility of more ports and I don't need an additional wireless router (as well as cost). Provided the answer to question 1 is yes, which one do you recommend purchasing, router or switch?

 

[nickbits]

When the switch is connected to the router, all the switch ports will have internet connectivity.

Get the switch. I have a 16 port one connected to my router to provide wired access to all the devices in my house.

 

[JackMDS]

I do not want to confuse you but...

If you need to connect more wired computers, then you need only a switch.

However if you need better coverage of Wireless than what the Verizon Wireless can provide you can get a Wireless Router. Then can use the additional ports as well as a second Wireless source.

If you do opt to more ports and Wireless configure the second Wireless Router like this.

Using Access Points or Wireless Cable/DSL Routers as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[mindbomb]

get a switch. Also, the default verizon router is limited to 150 megabit wireless n. You can disable wireless on the verizon router and buy yourself a wireless access point that supports much higher speeds, though you need to have wireless adapters that support the speeds as well.

 

[turgenjev1]

I would also recommend you to buy a switch.

 

[Emulex]

switch and router. you can combine nextgen firewall (astaro/clearos) to router, and let the switch handle local traffic. since you can virtualize the router, you can use that machine to do other stuff. storage,torrent,transcode..