New network

[SJ]

Hi at the moment I have got 3 PCs running of a Linksys router
(BEFSR41) also the cable modem plugs in to it as well. I have now
bought a 3com dual speed switch to extend the network.
The router has got no up link, but the switch has, so what would be
the best way to connect them all up, do you need a crossover cable to
join the switch and router or normal cat 5?
Can I use any port in the router to connect to the uplink on the
switch?
Would it the be better to run all machines off the switch? why?

Thanks for any assistance.

Steve

 

[Phillip Windell]

You only need the Uplink port on one end of the cable. So set the port to
"uplink mode" (some have a physical switch) and find an innocent port on the
Lynksys box and plug it in. If the LEDs don't light up then flip the Uplink
mode the other way (if it is one with a physical switch). The worst that
would ever happen is that you need a $5.00 crossover cable.

If the Lynksys device has multiple LAN ports then you are looking at a
"swtich" that is already built into the Lynksys device. When you link the
other switch to it, you now have two switches,...that is all that it amounts
to.