Choosing and installing a switch for a router in a home computer network is typically a straight forward process. Simply put, virtually any switch will work with any router but there are a few basic bits of information you might want to consider before you make a decision on getting a switch for router.

Switch for Router – What is the function of an Internet Modem?

The modem, whether it’s the modem in a home or at a business or even built into a laptop, is the connection point between the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the customer who’s paying for the Internet Service. It’s similar in concept to buying cable or satellite TV service; if we don’t buy the TV service then when we go to turn our TV’s on all we’d likely see is a black or sometimes snowy screen. By having a modem and Internet Service the modem acts as the gateway to the internet between the customer and the ISP. The modem is assigned an IP address, much like a home or business mailing address, whereby the ISP knows internet traffic, emails, etc. are designated for your specific IP address.

Switch for Router – What is the Router’s function?

Once internet traffic enters a home or business the incoming data has to know which computer or internet connected device to go to. The router assigns a separate address to each internet connected device inside a home or office and the sends traffic to that particular device.

Switch for Router – Switch versus Hub?

Commonly routers only have 4 or 5 connection ports on the back. If your home or office has more than 4 or 5 Ethernet connectable internet devices you need to expand the ports; this is where a hub or switch can come into play. Typically any hub or switch can be used but it’s important to understand the difference in the two devices.

A switch typically is more efficient versus a hub because a switch will direct the IP traffic to the exact device as opposed to the hub which will send the IP traffic to every devices connected to the hub and in this case the device having the appropriate IP address will receive process and accept the information. Therefore a Switch and Hub both perform the same function except the Switch processes and guides the traffic much more efficiently.

Switch for Router – Why is Auto Sensing Important?

When connecting a Switch for Router to the Router in your home computer network it’s important to know whether you can make that connection to any of the ports on the back of the switch or only one specific port on the back of the switch. Some switch models only allow the connection between the switch for router to be made using one specific port and other switches are auto sensing on every port. In other words it’s ok to connect the switch for router to any port on the back of the switch. This helps to know during installation because connecting a switch to a router should be as easy as plugging it in, powering it up, and it working. If you do not know if all ports are auto-sensing trying connecting the router to either the first or last port on the switch until you determine the switch for router is functioning correctly. Sometimes a port will be labeled as uplink and in that case you connect the switch for router to the up-link port.