Using a switch instead of a router for splitting internet connection?

[BigToque]

Right now I have an old box running Win98SE setup to do internet sharing. I know that I can get a router to do this in place of the computer.

I'm wondering if I can use a switch to do the same thing. I thought that a switch was basically the same as a router but that it only sent data to only the computer that is requesting data as opposed to a router that sent the data to all computers attached.

I'm wondering because I saw this today:

D-Link DSS-8+ (8 port switch)

For $37 US at a local store.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

wrong forum

a router uses NAT in order to split a single ip address connection among many computers. a switch only allows communication among the computers. if you want to use a switch windows XP has an internet sharing wizard you can use if you have two network cards. i'm really unsure about windows 98s ability. i high suggest a dedicated router over a PC, they really are unexpensive.

 

[BigToque]

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
wrong forum

a router uses NAT in order to split a single ip address connection among many computers. a switch only allows communication among the computers. if you want to use a switch windows XP has an internet sharing wizard you can use if you have two network cards. i'm really unsure about windows 98s ability. i high suggest a dedicated router over a PC, they really are unexpensive.

In other words, I'd still need the old computer to do the NAT? Are there any switches that include NAT?

I guess I'll just get a router. Have any good suggestions?

 

[Anonemous]

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
wrong forum

a router uses NAT in order to split a single ip address connection among many computers. a switch only allows communication among the computers. if you want to use a switch windows XP has an internet sharing wizard you can use if you have two network cards. i'm really unsure about windows 98s ability. i high suggest a dedicated router over a PC, they really are unexpensive.

In other words, I'd still need the old computer to do the NAT? Are there any switches that include NAT?

I guess I'll just get a router. Have any good suggestions?

yea a router also eats less power and is cheap. try hanging around the hot deals section. usually there's a deal or two every week or so on routers. And they're cheap <30$ nowadays. I use a belkin non wifi router and it works pretty well.

edit: Here's a current deal for a router on Amazon in Hot Deals

 

[artemedes]

I recently helped my dad set up his new cable connection. I built him a nice freesco box(linux router) and we went to go buy a decent cheap switch to put behind the freesco router. While we were at the store I noticed that there was a little 4 port router/switch for almost the same price as a good switch. I think after tax he paid less than 45 dollars. Considering this was a B&amp;M I am sure you can just get a good broadband router for about the same price as that switch. I have even seen wireless routers with 4 port switches for around $50.

Just shop around and get a router, or build a cool freesco box and buy a 20 dollar switch.

 

[imported_dualblade]

you can get a netgear wireless router (with 4 wired ports as well) for like $35 after rebate. if you don't use the wireless you can just disable it, but it's not a bad thing to have for expandability if you get portable devices

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Anonemous

Originally posted by: Stefan

Originally posted by: AWhackWhiteBoy
wrong forum

a router uses NAT in order to split a single ip address connection among many computers. a switch only allows communication among the computers. if you want to use a switch windows XP has an internet sharing wizard you can use if you have two network cards. i'm really unsure about windows 98s ability. i high suggest a dedicated router over a PC, they really are unexpensive.

In other words, I'd still need the old computer to do the NAT? Are there any switches that include NAT?

I guess I'll just get a router. Have any good suggestions?

yea a router also eats less power and is cheap. try hanging around the hot deals section. usually there's a deal or two every week or so on routers. And they're cheap <30$ nowadays. I use a belkin non wifi router and it works pretty well.

spend a lil more go linksys ..
but just about any will do fine..link to thread as info.

 

[skace]

Originally posted by: Stefan
I'm wondering if I can use a switch to do the same thing. I thought that a switch was basically the same as a router but that it only sent data to only the computer that is requesting data as opposed to a router that sent the data to all computers attached.

Your switch -> router comparison is off. You are confusing a router for a hub and your explanation of the difference between the 2 is a little off (but thats ok). Basically a switch is a smart hub. A router is something completely different, it assigns ip addresses, maintains routing tables, forwards ports / etc.

Most routers available these days come with a small switch built into them (IE: Router/4-Port Switch).

So yea, basically just buy a router and then buy additional switches as needed depending on the number of machines you have.

 

[Matthias99]

Are there any switches that include NAT?

That would be what is usually called a "router". Most consumer-level routers happen to ALSO include a switch (so that you can share your internet connection among multiple computers).

 

[WackyDan]

The only way you could use a switch only is if your ISP provided you with multiple "static" IP addresses.......One for each machine connected through the switch...

If they offer this, they will charge for it.

Get a router for $20 more than that switch.

 

[Tostada]

As skace was saying, you've got your terminology all screwed up.

A hub = a repeater = sends data to all computer attached = old technology that I haven't seen in a long time.

A switch is a full-duplex hub that only sends data to the correct computer. It doesn't split an internet connection unless you pay your ISP for multiple IP's. If you have multiple IP's and your switch has an uplink port, you can uplink the switch to your cable modem and each machine will get its own IP from the cable modem.

A broadband router isn't really a router at all. It is a switch that also functions as a NAT gateway. It's the nice simple solution for all your problems.

As dualblade said, you can get a good Netgear broadband router for about $35. I got one for $25 after rebate at Newegg about 8 months ago, and it has 802.11b. You can get one with 802.11g for $43 after rebate.

I used to see people complain about netgear stuff, but ever since they started making the little spaceship-looking routers, they seem to work better than anything. Look in the comments on newegg and you'll see more people like netgear than linksys lately. I have linksys and netgear stuff ... I'm just saying I don't think there's any reason not to get netgear if it's cheaper.

 

[jose]

No , a switch doesn't do NAT. That's why people use routers.

Regards,
Jose

 

[sisooktom]

Absolutely no reason to get a switch over a router with prices as they are. With a switch, you either have to *purchase* additional IPs from your ISP, or use Windows ICS. Both solutions suck.