Vista - Switch behind a router?

Hi all,

This is not really a Vista question but rather a Windows networking one. I have a VDSL wireless modem/router (supplied by my ISP) which has 4 cabled ports. Problem is, now I have 5 cabled devices I need to connect - 2 computers, a network printer, a TV via internet decoder box, and now an IP webcam. 5 devices, 4 ports... I can't get a different router w/ more ports, the VDSL stuff is special here and only supplied by my ISP currently.

So, can I put a regular old 4 port network switch cabled to one of the router ports and expand my network that way? Everything needs internet access except of course the printer.

TIA, --ch

Sure. It is possible to extend a network in this manner.



The simple diagram above shows such an arrangement. The Router is connected to the Internet via I. Networked devices are then connected to the router via ports 1, 2, and 3. Port 4 is also connected to a networked device, in this case a Switch. Further networked devices are then connected to the Switch (and hence to the Router via port 4) via ports A through D. If necessary, you can connect another Switch to one of the other ports on the Router OR you can cascade it off one of the ports on the Switch.

My suggestion would be to by a 8 port swith depeding on what device(s) that would be placed on the switch it could create a bottle neck in your network. If i were to use the topoplgy i would place only the network printer on the switch and all other devices on the router. Using a 8 port swicth would garuntee the thoughput you need for HDTV and VoIP and other badnwidht intensive application. Many entery level swiches also have QoS capablitiles which could futher improve how your bandwidth is allocated

OK, thanks very much guys! --ch