using a switch

[monmusion]

I have cable internet, and I would like to connect 2 computers to the modem, using a switch, since a friend of mine had an extra one lying around. I know you are supposed to use a router, but i was wondering if you could use a switch?

 

[NetRyder]

No, you will need a router.

What you can do with the switch is this:
1) Connect cable modem to one computer and leave it on all the time. Enable ICS (Interner connection sharing) on it.
2) Connect both computers to the switch.
3) Designate the first computer as the gateway of the second one.

Now you can use the internet on your second computer through the first one.

If you want them to be independent of each other, you will need a router.

 

[monmusion]

So the switch is useless for just connecting 2 computers together, i guess?

 

[easye082]

no...i just bought a switch, and have both computers sharing DSL. However, like stated before, the one w/ the modem has to be on and connected for the 2nd to get online.

Switch is useful for connecting 2 systems together in order to share internet, printers, or also forming a network.

 

[monmusion]

Well since its just 2 computers, does that not defeat the purpose of a switch, im still going to have to use some form of interent connection sharing, and one will have to be on all the time, so i can just use a cross-over cable, or do u have both connected into the switch or is the second computer connected to a second nic in the computer connected to the modem?

 

[NetRyder]

Yeah, you can just use a cross-over cable. It will serve the same purpose since you have only two computers on your network.

But as I said, you're going to have to use ICS on one computer to allow the other one acsess.