Hi,
Just wondering– we have 2 computers in our home, and currently we have set up a wired Ethernet ‘switch’, sharing the connection between the two computers. Our ISP gives us a dynamic IP. We are looking into changing to another ISP, but their only option is static, they do not provide dynamic.
My question is: Do we have to buy a router when we change to the static IP, or can we continue the set up as normal?
Just to clarify, it is set up so that is goes ISP—to—MODEM—to—8 PORT ETHERNET SWITCH—to—COMPUTER 1, COMPUTER 2
Sorry if that is a bit confusing 
Thanks.
If the new ISP provides a DSL modem or Cable modem, then it will work the same as the old one with the only difference being the IP will never change. A static IP is better than a dynamic one for many reasons. The bottom line for you is that it will work effectively the same as the old one.
Yes there is no need to buy new router. The only changes that will happen is that you will just set the static ip to your PC which shares the internet connection to the other PC via switch. This PC that shares the internet connection is what you called the gateway PC. The only disadvantage of this setup is that the gateway pc should be turned on all the time just to share the connection to your other pc. But if you buy a router, there is no need to setup a gateway pc to share the connection to other pc in you house..
Hope it helps.
No need to buy, as long as your modem will work on your new ISP. If your current modem was provided to you by your ISP, it might be taken back. If your new ISP provides you with a modem, then there’s no difference to your old network setup (just replace the old ISP’s modem with the new one). But if your new ISP won’t give you a modem, you’ll be required to buy a router. 1 port router will just replace your modem so you can still use your old network setup. Multi-ported router will make your switch useless – your new setup will be:
ISP –> ROUTER ==> PC1, PC2
Having static IP doesn’t matter.