switch vs router

[Guest]

I have a 3 computer network that use a dsl connection through a 8 port
switch. my connection speed varies. my isp said that my speed problems lies
with the fact that i am using a switch instead of a router. Something to do
with Ip addressing. So can i just give my computers a static IP and subnet
mask to avoid having to buy a router?

 

[Chuck]

I have a 3 computer network that use a dsl connection through a 8 port
switch. my connection speed varies. my isp said that my speed problems lies
with the fact that i am using a switch instead of a router. Something to do
with Ip addressing. So can i just give my computers a static IP and subnet
mask to avoid having to buy a router?

Dean,

I'd bet Computer 3 is not getting a DHCP address because the DHCP server (your
ISP?) has already issued an address for Computers 1 and 2.

You have broadband, and 3 computers. Replacing the switch with a router is the
responsible solution.

All computers will be safer. The router will block any malevolent internet
traffic. This further protects the internet, from your becoming infected and
spreading the infection.

All computers will run better, with the router blocking the trash infection
traffic. Any personal firewall on either computer will have less to do, because
the router will block most malevolent traffic.

All computers will run independent of each other. Right now, if you have
internet connectivity on multiple computers, either you are paying your ISP for
multiple connections (a waste of $$$), or you have to have one computer on
whenever you wish to access the internet from any other. With a router, neither
is true.

If you can afford to have more then one computer, and broadband, you can afford
a router. For many reasons.

 

[Jack]

Hi

The nature of the external IP is up to the ISP you cannot decide on your
own.

Static External IP is usually more expensive per month.

No reason to maintain high principles about Hardware (it is mainly plastic)
a Router can be found on sale for $9.99.

4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router $9.99 after rebate:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=151876

Or May be this can Help.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing -
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? -
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48

The page above was written by me ages ago. You might ignore the prices and
Brand recommendations. The principles however are still the same.

Connection Diagram With Cable/DSL Router:
http://www.ezlan.net/~network/router.jpg

Installing Network: http://www.ezlan.net/installing.html

Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

I have a 3 computer network that use a dsl connection through a 8 port
switch. my connection speed varies. my isp said that my speed
problems lies with the fact that i am using a switch instead of a
router. Something to do with Ip addressing. So can i just give my
computers a static IP and subnet mask to avoid having to buy a
router?

I'm not quite sure what your ISP is getting at....switches and routers
aren't interchangeable. A switch, overly simplified, is a really really
smart hub. A router, overly simplified, is a device that routes traffic
between separate networks.

I'm not sure how many IP addresses your DSL provider gives you, but if you
buy a consumer-grade "router"/firewall/gateway (it isn't really a true
router, but that doesn't matter) that can do NAT (network address
translation) and DHCP for your clients, you're both better protected from
the Internet than you likely are now, and can add pretty much as many
clients/nodes you wish on your LAN. Check out the NetGear FR114P for one I
like a lot - about $80 USD last time I checked.

Not sure how this will have any effect on your connection speed issues - but
some devices allow you to change the MTU if that's needed. I still think you
need a firewall, though, so this can't hurt.