A switch or a router for my computer??

[Cliff Rogers]

G'day.

You only need a switch.

I did a search on your Motorola & snipped this from the specs....

• USB and Ethernet connectivity simplifies installation
• Compatible with Windows® 95/98/2000/Me/NT/XP, Mac, Linux and UNIX
• Supports up to 32 users (1 via USB and 31 via Ethernet or 32 users on Ethernet)

Connect the switch to the Ethernet port & then connect your PCs to the switch.

Cheaper than buying a router.

[Gumby]

Good effort Cliff. My modem the SB1500, an older version with no built-in routing ability. Hence the need for my D-link. The later models do the whole job and it seems you have one of those.

[felixe]

Hi Cliff and Gumby,
as a switch will do the job, I found this one at a shop around the corner from me, http://www.pcshopper.com.au/product....9&cat=0&page=1 Will this do. How does this affect the IP addresses and firewall (both of which I have little understanding other than a "hardware" firewall is better than software)?

Regards,
Felixe.

[felixe]

or maybe this one, 'cause it goes faster? http://www.pcshopper.com.au/product....8&cat=0&page=1

Or is this overkill?

And another question (sorry!) i want the modem/router to be filtered through my UPS for surge protection, so should be plug it into the UPS before or after plugging into the router or switch?. We have seperate UPS systems for each computer so either is an option.

[Gumby]

I have a policy of buying the fastest and best, as long as the cost isn't prohibitive. I find that I stay a bit more up to date that way. However, you are limited by what speed your internet connection comes through the cable. For instance, no matter how fast the switch, if you are accessing a site which takes 15 seconds to load, then it will take 15 seconds to load regardless of the switch speed. Bigpond cable is fast but it takes time to access sites. Not like a dial-up or anything, but it isn't instant either. The computer and switch are able to handle much faster times but can't do it if the data isn't there in the first place. (Hope this is making sense - jump in here Cliff 'cos I'm only a home self taught nerd - no expert by any means)

I have cheap switches (cost around $30) at work where we run an adsl router/modem connected to the switch which then feeds the data to a number of computers. They work fine.

If it's a shop around the corner, buy the one you want on the basis that you can take it back if it doesn't work. That's why I like dealing with those small shops, they are happy to play ball and talk to you. You coiuld even take your modem in there just to be sure.

The firewall you set up with your software will be sufficient. The switch doesn't have one built in like a router does. I'm not sure if the modem/router you have has got a firewall or not but if you get TrendMicro from that guy on the internet (bloody cheap at around $30), put a copy on both computers, you'll be firewalled anyway. (turn off the XP firewall - it stinks).

I'm a bit confused by the power surge one- not sure what you mean but I have all my computer stuff on a surge protected power board.

[felixe]

Gumby, the UPS is just like the surger protector but has a battery as well, and is designed to combat, power drops, brown outs etc, so if the power goes funny it kicks over to battery backup and does not fry the computer.
I had a surge protector but it did not save me from the crappy power supply from energex up here in QLD.
Basically, I am wondering should I plug the modem line into the surge filter on my UPS/surge protector before or after plugging into the switch?

Regards,
Felixe.

[Gumby]

I can't help with that on mate - I don't have that set up. I've had a couple of pwer failures here recently. It can cause corruption on the computer bt so far it's been OK. I think XP is better for this than the old W98 was. I haven't seen a blue screen of death for quite a while. :eek:

I do have to reset the router though. Just the last few days I loose the connection and checking the lights on the router, it has dropped off. The modem lights indicate that it's fine. I reset the router and away we go again. That's bloody annoying and i have no idea what the problem is. I've been told it's noit at my end but the modem stays connected so I'm not so sure.

[felixe]

Thanks for the help Gumby.