Shared router vs switch

[dennisg9987]

Hi, I rent an office that provides internet. My office has a cat 5 cable plug available into which I plug my router into. As of late my router is dropping the internet signal randomly. This is not happening to other tenants. I have two computers hooked to network via the router.
Can I use a switch rather than a router to connect my computers together and into the public internet connection without losing security to my office network?

Thanks for any help!

 

[COLGeek]

A typical switch offers no security to connected devices, so if you want the same level of security your router provides, then a typical consumer grade switch is not a good option.

Have you tried changing cables between your router and the network? This dropping problem could be a bad cable. You should also look for a firmware upgrade (if available) for your router.

What make/model of router are you using now?

 

[dennisg9987]

A typical switch offers no security to connected devices, so if you want the same level of security your router provides, then a typical consumer grade switch is not a good option.

Have you tried changing cables between your router and the network? This dropping problem could be a bad cable. You should also look for a firmware upgrade (if available) for your router.

What make/model of router are you using now?

Hi..I am not at my office today so I cannot remember model of router..believe it is a Belkin, but not sure. I will however, pick up a new cable and try that solution first. I was ready to scrap the router and buy a new one...would be thrilled if its just a cable issue. Router has been solid for a year, but now seems to lose internet about every three or four days.

 

[COLGeek]

Could also be a flaky router. They can (and do) become defective due to a flaw in the device (usually heat and/or power related). If the router is acting up after swapping the cable, I would suggest you try another router (the price over a switch should not be too significant).

Good luck!