Where can a Ethernet switch work?

[IntrepidAce]

I was wondering if I can just skip the router and hook my computer directly to the modem. If I could can I use an Ethernet switch to connect multiple devices.

I've a couple yes's and a couple no's, but that was on amazon's Questions and Answers, So I thought why not ask the experts(toms hardware).

 

[yoji]

you can connect 1 PC directly to the modem...
If you want connect more - you need a router.. not a switch.

HTH
P.S. I have made many assumptions in saying above.. I have assumed it a "normal" modem.... and a "normal" ISP service.

 

[lxgoldsmith]

I was wondering if I can just skip the router and hook my computer directly to the modem.

you can only do this if the modem functions as a router itself. otherwise, Your pc and switch won't know where to send data.

 

[IntrepidAce]

you can connect 1 PC directly to the modem...
If you want connect more - you need a router.. not a switch.

HTH
P.S. I have made many assumptions in saying above.. I have assumed it a "normal" modem.... and a "normal" ISP service.

I have Comcast as my ISP and this is my modem http://www.amazon.com/Arris-TM602G-ARRIS-Telephony-Modem/dp/B0039UWW54/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
not sure what "normal means"

 

[bill001g]

That is just a cable modem. Many people call whatever box they get a modem even if it contains a router.

Pretty much you must have a router to allow multiple devices to share a single IP. On a cable system you technically can put a switch directly behind a modem and then hook up multiple machines. Each machine would get their own internet IP. The reason nobody does this is because the ISP will charge you for each IP you use after the first one.

 

[yoji]

you can connect 1 PC directly to the modem...
If you want connect more - you need a router.. not a switch.

HTH
P.S. I have made many assumptions in saying above.. I have assumed it a "normal" modem.... and a "normal" ISP service.

I have Comcast as my ISP and this is my modem http://www.amazon.com/Arris-TM602G-ARRIS-Telephony-Modem/dp/B0039UWW54/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
not sure what "normal means"

In these forums people don't always know if they just have a modem or a combined modem/router. So yours looks to be "normal" in that it is just a modem. It also means Comcast will give you one IP.. so my original advice is confirmed..

You can connect 1 PC to the ethernet port of your modem.. and if you want to connect more - you will need a router.
Once you have a router.. if you need even more connectivity.. you can than consider a hub/switch (in addition to the router.. and go for switch in preference to a hub).

HTH
Cheers