How to Use a Switch Hub Instead of a Router

A multi-port Ethernet switch provides a secure, wired network connection.

Many computer networks use a wireless router to share a single broadband Internet connection. Since wireless routers assign an IP address within a specific address range, it is usually not a good idea to use a wireless router when the computers to be connected are part of a larger network (such as a satellite office of a large corporation).



A broadband Internet connection may also be shared by using an Ethernet switch (which may sometimes be colloquially referred to as a "hub" or "switch hub"). An Ethernet switch will share an Internet connection without specifically making IP address assignments, making it a good choice for local area networks.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet switch
• Broadband modem
• Two Ethernet (Category 5, 5e, or 6) cables
• Computer with installed wired network adapter

Instructions

1. Plug one end of the first Ethernet cable into the "Computer" port of the broadband modem. Plug the other end of this cable into the "Uplink" or "LAN" port on the Ethernet switch. Please note: older Ethernet switches may not have an "Uplink" or "LAN" port. In this case, plug the Ethernet cable into Port 1 on the Ethernet switch.

2. Plug one end of the second Ethernet cable into the computer network adapter. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into Port 2 on the Ethernet switch.

3. Open the Internet browser software application (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) on the computer. Type the address of a common website (such as "http://www.google.com") into the web browser search bar, and press "Enter."

References

• University of Bristol: How to Set Up a Home Network and Share a Broadband Connection
• KMJ Communications: Ethernet Switching Information