Setting up a workgroup switch

[RTSDaddy2]

Feeling very stupid right now - reading up on setting up a linksys workgroup switch, and it's like I understand what I'm reading (I get that it's not a router), but what is  considered the "switch?"

I'm not asking this well - for example, our switch here at this school would be the AT & T router, correct?  Or no?

[WhereEaglesDare]

Almost all retail routers today come with a switch built in.  It is considered a router but in reality it is a router and a switch.  The router acts as the gateway and DHCP Server along with other things, the switch allows the connections to the router.  Older commercial routers dont have a switch in them, you would have to have separate switch in the frame with the router.

A simple switch wouldn't have things like Port Forwarding or DHCP Server capabilities.  The DHCP Server is what gives your PC, console, etc the Dynamic IP Address.  You do not NEED a router to have a LAN, you can make one of the PCs on your network a DHCP Server or use all static IPs.  It is just easier when you have a router.

[RTSDaddy2]

Ok - so setup should be easy then - run ethernet cables to all router points, then run one cable from the AT &T 2Wire modem to the Linksys, then cables from Linksys Workgroup unit to existing computers that have no connection, correct? Leastways that makes sense to me.

Also, why in the world would I start up a computer with XP on it to find it has no network connections ready? If someone deleted the 1394 connection, how do I get it back?

[WhereEaglesDare]

Open up device manager and see if you are missing drivers...  You'll see yellow question marks on it.

Here is how you connect a simple network..

PC -> Switch -> Switch or LAN port on Router -> From the WAN or Internet port on Router to modem

If you don't want to use a separate switch you can use the LAN ports on the router alone, but of course you will be limited to how many devices you can use.  You can use both a switch and the switched LAN ports on the router.  You can have several switches on one router.

You have to power cycle the modem when you change what it is connected to...  get it all hooked up and power it all down, then power it up in order from the cable coming out of the wall..  Modem then router then switch...  The PC should see a new connection automatically.

[RTSDaddy2]

Thanks - sounds like enough to get me started! (or at least in trouble! )

[WhereEaglesDare]

Oh I forgot to mention, a lot of ISPs are putting in boxes that are an all-in-one modem/router/switch...  You may have one of those.  I don't prefer them, I've noticed that they cause more trouble.