Multiple computers connected to a switch

[garnr1]

Hi there,

To any networking experts out there I'm just wondering is there any limit of how many computers can be connected to switch, then from the switch via 1 x single Cat6 cable to a modem? If you want fast internet speeds for multiple computers connected to the modem via the switch what needs to be done from a networking perspective? Is it simply a matter off adding another Cat6 cable from the switch to the modem to increase the internet speed available at the switch?

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Rhys

 

[PhilFrisbie]

The limit to a switch is how many ports it has. Well, there are other limits when you have connected multiple switches together, but that is another story. Of course, the more computers that are sharing the Internet connection the slower the connection.

The Internet speed will be restricted by the speed of the connection from the modem to the provider. It is unlikely you will saturate the connection from the switch to the modem/router.

 

[Guest]

The limit is the number of IP adresses that your ISP gives you (which is usually only one).

 

[Mu33rto]

The limit is the number of IP adresses that your ISP gives you (which is usually only one).

True. If youre isp only assigns you 1 ip, then only one system will be able to get internet. A switch is not a router, but a router does have a swith built in(sometimes). The computers will get a local ip but won't be able to communicate outside LAN. You will either need a router or a computer acting like a dhcp.

Without a router you can connect 1 PC to modem, then that same PC to the switch. PC will have to run a program like SLAMPP and that will enable all the systems to get internet.