switch over router

[bushy]

I,m having warp problems with one of my racing games and some guys say go to a switch instead of linksys router i have now.My question is will i be able to use both computers at the same time with a switch?this thing is strange because is does not seem to bother my nascar 3 game just the sprintcar game.im told it,s in settings but i can,t get right person at linksys yet to help me.some say switch is better.if so what would be a good one.?i get the warp on win98 and the new one with win 2000.

[YeOldeStonecat]

First of all, the term "switch" and the term "router" are two entirely diffent functions. Your Linksys router, along with most of the broadbandwidth routers out there, already has a switch built into it (if you have the 4 port or 8 port model). A switch is a step up from a hub, in the it handles traffic better. For performance when lots of data traffic is happening, a switch is better than a hub. See the below link for a thread that explains the differences. A couple of computers, even up to 6 or so, would have a hard time maxing out a hub.

http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001164.html

Back to your question, replacing the Linksys Router (which HAS a built in switch) with a plain switch, you will not be able to share your connection. The router is needed to share the connection.

The Linksys routers do have some issues with some games. Specifically I had problems hosting an Unreal Tournament server through my Linksys, I did some research, found that it's a widespread problem with UT servers and the Linksys, got rid of the Linksys, got a NetGear router, end of problem. The Linksys is a very easy to use, low cost product designed for the average home user for average sharing of the internet. When hard pressed, like in games or running servers, it starts to show it falls short in the robust hardware department.

You can try getting the latest firmware, they fix some known issues with firmware upgrades, and add some features with each one. It's a very easy upgrade, they made it very user friendly. Just make sure you know your current settings, because upgrading the firmware, you'll have to start from scratch and set it up again, it'll erase your current config.

[Killa B]

"...replacing the Linksys Router (which HAS a built in switch) with a plain switch, you will not be able to share your connection. The router is needed to share the connection."

Not true, depends on his ISP. RR in KC allows 4 dynamic IP's. I have my cable modem connected to the wan port on my DLink 8 port switch. I then have all my computers setup for dhcp & connected to the switch. All computers can access the net. If ISP only gives 1 IP, then yes, the router is needed.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yes I know that's not true...I've setup some rigs that have sucked several IP's to several rigs when someone wishes to pay for multiple accounts. But I made the assumption based on the fact that he had a Linksys router that he was already setup with just a single IP, and he was already sharing that. So based on the concept that he was already sharing a single IP, I deducted that he wished to keep this single IP sharing setup, and was just looking for a better option than the Linksys.