Shared internet w/o extra IP

[Lau]

Hello all,

I have a quick question to which I don't seem to find an answer: I have a 2-computer home network. Both connected to a Netgear 5-port switch.
Right now, we have an extra IP address for the 2nd computer. I know there is a way to set up the network w/o having to get an extra IP from our ISP.
We will probably have to buy a router (?) for this to work... If anyone could let me know how I can get that done, that would be great...

Thanks

[jcnoernberg]

im not on the up-and-up with the networking lingo, but if you get a router, the router will mask your network (subnet) under the single isp ip address. all your computers on your side of the router can exist with any ip addresses that you want. but from the outside world, they only see your single isp ip.

a switch isn't capable of assigning ip addresses and routing the appropriate data packets to individual computers as far as I know.... you need a router.

[jlreich]

Yep you need a router. It's gotta be a lot cheaper than paying for an extra IP. And if that Netgear switch is a Gbit switch you can piggy back it onto the router and still maintain Gbit speeds within your LAN.

[Lau]

jc, jl,

thanks for the reponses... I will keep it simple and get a router. No piggy backing anything ;)
Any reco on a good router?

[classicsoftware]

I personally prefer Linksys........

[jlreich]

Linksys is very good. I have had one for the last few years and it has given me no problems. I also just got in a D-Link that works great and easy to set up. I also have a Netgear Gbit switch that I am very happy with, but cannot vouch for their routers.