Router Or Switch

[bobkolb]

Hey everyone. So I go to Rutgers and we're not allowed to set up our own wireless networks anymore, but we can set up a router for the extra LAN ports since we only get one in the wall. I was wondering if I even need a router since we can't set up a network, would a switch do what I need in terms of just giving me more LAN ports and connection?

Thank You

 

[USAFRet]

That depends. Does the port on the wall allow more than one IP address or device?
If yes, then a switch will work
If no, then you need a router.

 

[zdbc13]

Most likely your school network uses dhcp to allocate ip addresses so a switch would be all you need.

 

[boosted1g]

As USAFRet said, it depends on the network

They could have port security and only assign 1 IP address per network port, in which case you need a router.
If they dont have a limitation then a switch would work.

You will need to contact a network IT person to find out this information for your building.

 

[boosted1g]

As USAFRet said, it depends on the network

They could have port security and only assign 1 IP address per network port, in which case you need a router.
If they dont have a limitation then a switch would work.

You will need to contact a network IT person to find out this information for your building.

 

[kanewolf]

The benefit of a router is the extra level of firewall / NAT that a router provides. If you are worried about the security of your computer(s) then a router provides additional security in addition to additional ports. You will just need to disable the wireless if the router has it.

 

[bobkolb]

That depends. Does the port on the wall allow more than one IP address or device?
If yes, then a switch will work
If no, then you need a router.

I'll figure that out but thank you, that makes sense