I'm embarassed to ask, but do I need a switch or router? I'm embarassed because I guess I don't really understand the difference. I thought routers joined networks while swtiches only parcelled out info. Maybe I've been using a router when all I needed was a switch?
well, here's the deal. I posted here a week or two ago complaining my internet connection wasn't quite functioning right. Ppl. here helped me diagnose the problem, and it looks like my router has gone bad (netgear fvs318 w/dhcp). Siince it looks like I'll need to replace the router, I was looking for one with more ports (beyond the 8 it already has). Couldn't really find one that didn't bust the budgie, so asked around. People wondered why I needed 10 or 12 port rotuer. I explained the various hookups I had (hard wired home netowrk), being a cable modem in, then voip phone, then two basic computers, NAS, and various ports for where we might take a notebook or xbox, etc. (most unused at any given time, but not wanting to swap in and out cables), and I was told I didn't need more than a 1 port router, but just a big swtich.
Would this work? I router, but a giant swtich. I hope so, can solve all my problems. If so, is there any advantage or disadvantage to another 8 or 10 or 12 port router?
thanks for my totally noob question, thought I was someone with my own home network, handwired, nas, etc., now I know I don't know chit.
curt j.
well, here's the deal. I posted here a week or two ago complaining my internet connection wasn't quite functioning right. Ppl. here helped me diagnose the problem, and it looks like my router has gone bad (netgear fvs318 w/dhcp). Siince it looks like I'll need to replace the router, I was looking for one with more ports (beyond the 8 it already has). Couldn't really find one that didn't bust the budgie, so asked around. People wondered why I needed 10 or 12 port rotuer. I explained the various hookups I had (hard wired home netowrk), being a cable modem in, then voip phone, then two basic computers, NAS, and various ports for where we might take a notebook or xbox, etc. (most unused at any given time, but not wanting to swap in and out cables), and I was told I didn't need more than a 1 port router, but just a big swtich.
Would this work? I router, but a giant swtich. I hope so, can solve all my problems. If so, is there any advantage or disadvantage to another 8 or 10 or 12 port router?
thanks for my totally noob question, thought I was someone with my own home network, handwired, nas, etc., now I know I don't know chit.
curt j.