Member Avatar for aibob873

Hello! I don't have a router. So i am thinking of using a switch instead which i have. Is it ok to use a switch instead of a router that is to be connected to a DSL modem which is connected to a DSL line. And then I am going to connect two or three computers to the switch to access the internet. Would this set up damage my switch? Would this set up works and if it would works, how long would it works? Pls. somebody help. Thanks in advance.

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Dani AI

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Brief answer: a plain Ethernet switch will not act as a router in most home DSL setups. A switch only connects devices on the same LAN (Layer 2); it does not do PPPoE logins, NAT, or provide DHCP/firewall services. Physically connecting a switch to the ISP box will not damage the switch, but whether multiple machines get Internet depends entirely on whether the ISP box already offers routing/DHCP or whether the ISP issues multiple public IPs. This expands on points made by and and corrects the suggestion from that a typical switch can supply DHCP/NAT.

Steps to verify what the ISP box actually does (quick tests that are useful years later):

Windows:   ipconfig /all
Linux/mac: ip addr show

If the connected PC receives a private RFC1918 address (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, 172.16-31.x.x) the ISP box is acting as a router/DHCP server and a switch on its LAN port will let multiple PCs share the link. If the PC receives a public IP (or no DHCP address / a 169.254.x.x APIPA) the box is probably bridge-only or requires PPPoE credentials — in that case a switch alone won’t create shared access.

Practical options and cautions: add a consumer router (router WAN->modem, router LAN->switch) or enable one host to do NAT/ICS (Windows Internet Connection Sharing or a Linux gateway) if a router is not available. If the ISP supplies multiple public IPs, attaching many hosts directly exposes them to the Internet — enable host firewalls or use NAT. When in doubt, check the ISP box’s admin page or ask the ISP whether it provides routing/DHCP or is bridge-only; connecting a switch will not harm hardware but may simply not give shared Internet without a router.

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Member Avatar for dimsums

You will need a router to allow multiple computers

Member Avatar for JorgeM

It is hard to provide you with a definite answer without knowing the specifics about the "modem". Many of these ISPs provide you with DSL equipment that is now a modem/router device. In the early days of DSL, they provided you with a modem, and you had to buy a router. That's not the case these days, as the equipment they provide has both the modem and router built in.

Member Avatar for 07knev

if the modem is supplied by ISP, you can connect the modem to Switch. connect all your computers to the switch. Enable DHCP service on the switch and create a NAT if you want to protect your LAN.

Member Avatar for aibob873

It is hard to provide you with a definite answer without knowing the specifics about the "modem". Many of these ISPs provide you with DSL equipment that is now a modem/router device. In the early days of DSL, they provided you with a modem, and you had to buy a router. That's not the case these days, as the equipment they provide has both the modem and router built in.

Thanks for asking further. Sorry, I don't know the specifications because I don't have the modem manual. The ISP provided the modem without the manual. This is what I got: (a)my modem = ADSL2+ modem, (b)my modem model = SE260 dsl, (c)my modem rear panel:1)power pushbutton switch, 2)reset button, 3)one RJ45 port (under the RJ45 port or socket there is a written word ETHERNET, 4)one RJ10 or telephone socket (under it there is a written word LINE). That is all I got.

Member Avatar for Member #127113

Its called router too. You can connect to switch without worry.

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