On Thursday 05 Jul 2007, Paul Smith wrote: > On 7/5/07, Rick Stevens <rstevens@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > > Thanks, Rick and all other respondents. Yes, my DSL modem connects to > my computer by using an RJ45 connector. The shopkeeper where I went to > buy a switch claims that the switch may not work and that I should > instead buy a router. So, I would like to ask you whether it is really > as he claims. > > Paul As I Understand It, a router normally contains a four port Ethernet switch, which connects the computers in your private network to each other and the router itself. What the router does that a switch alone cannot, is be configured to know the IP address of your private network. Anything you want to do that requires access to machines out on the Internet, the data packets will have an IP address which does not match your private network address. These packets are 'routed' out to the Internet. The router also provides numerous other services, such as DHCP, NAT, port forwarding (if you have a fixed IP address), etc. So, in short, yes you do need a router, not a switch. When you want to extend your private network, that is the time to buy switches. Hope that's clear. Dave PS you're a lot more secure if you have a router sitting between your computer and the Internet. IMHO it's well worth getting a router even it you only have one computer. -- Registered Linux user number 393408 I use and recommend the email service at 1 & 1 For domain registration, email and web hosting please visit: http://oneandone.co.uk/xml/init?k_id=6389763
