Network, 2PC's & VoIP

[Rafka]

Hi all,

This is my current setup:
PC Ethernet to VoIP Gizmo - to DSL Modem/Router.

I want to connect a laptop and make it part of new home network.

So i need to buy ethernet switch...
What will be the best way to connect it all?

Thank you very much.

 

[oldtimerbob]

Yes,you will need a hub or switch for the second PC. I would suggest getting a combination switch that will handle wireless also and be sure to load the software.
Use a cat5 cable from the cable modem to the new switch. Plug both your PC's ( the laptop and the existing one) to ports in the switch and all should work correctly. (you know you have to turn everything off before you start this and then re-boot everything in sequence)
I am not sure about the voip gizmo being used for both PC's since they vary and how to hook it up for both depends upon the gizmo itself,but it would not hurt just to play with the order that it is placed in the modem/switch/PC and see.
(modem/switch/Gizmo/PC....)
Good Luck.

Has been in the cabling business for about twenty years and is now the Sr PM for a cabling company located in the Los Angeles area.

http://www.globusinc.net

Also a General Class Amatuer Radio Operator.

 

[Rafka]

Thanks for your help.

one more question, i have a Linksys Cable/DSL router (10/100) with 4 port switch lying around. Can i use it instead of buying Ethernet Switch?

Also what is the main difference between a switch and a router?

(I was looking to get this kind of switch -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166007

, will this be better over the Linksys router?)

thanks

 

[jimbopalmer]

You can convert the router into a switch with a 3 step process
1) disable the DHCP server in the router
2) renumber the IP address of the router to be in the subnet of the real router, but outside it's DHCP range
3) only use the LAN ports, never attach to the WAN port

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.