I have a Linksys 10/100 8-Port workgroup switch. Model EZXS88W. Can I use this to hook up 2 computers to the internet at the same time or do i need a router?
Aditional Info:
Comcast internet
1st Comp Vista 2nd Xp
using a toshiba modem from comcast…
if theres anything else you need to know ask…
It depends on your internet provider.
Find out if you’re *allowed* to have more than one PC hooked up.
If you are, a switch will work just fine, because the ISP will assign both your computers an IP address.
If you’re not, a router would be the best option, because that will appear to be one single connection to your ISP, and most routers let you hook up 2 to 6 computers.
You will need a router. You can use a switch alongside a router, but you cannot use just the switch alone.
The basic reason is because a switch is "dumb". It can move data where it needs to go, but there needs to be something that actually DECIDES where the data needs to go.
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworkhardware/f/routervsswitch.htm
http://ask-leo.com/whats_the_difference_between_a_hub_a_switch_and_a_router.html
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/bridge_types.htm
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/3498476