Splitting DSL Connection?

[Carlosinfl]

If I have a DSL line and just a switch, with no router...can I just run the cable from the modem into the switch and then split the connection into the LAN PC's or must I have a router (being stand alone or turning a desktop into a router)?

 

[Drugfranbs]

The basic idea behind a broadband router is to allow two or more computers to share In internet connection using a technology called NAT - network address translation . With only a single IP address on the Internet, all of the computers in your home can be on the Internet at the same time. Additionally, NAT naturally acts as a rudimentary firewall by masking the true IP address of our computer - thus helping to keep your systems safe from hackers.
Broadband routers can be as easy or as complex as you want them to be. Available for less than $75 now , a basic model can extend your Internet to all the computers in your home. If all you do is surf and write e-mail, a simple broadband router is both easy to install and ZERO maintenance. For the more adventurous, manufacturers have added a myriad of options and features that can delight, confuse and confound us.

Not all applications work well with broadband routers. If hosting internet games is an integral part of your computing experience, a broadband router may sometimes get in your way. Most broadband routers support the big games like HalfLife and Quake, but support for more esoteric games can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. In general you get what you pay for in broadband routers.
Other special network applications may also have problems across a broadband router. Applications like NetMeeting may not work at all! This should not keep you from purchasing a broadband router, just realize that applications other than web, ftp and other standards may need some work to get going.

SHEESH, don't make me write that much again!

 

[Carlosinfl]

I understand what a router does and how NAT works but a friend of mine has no router, a dsl line, a switch, a PC, and a notebook and wants to share the connection. Can he not run the DSL line to the switch and then to the lan? I know that his IP wont be masked because the switch will not perform NAT but can he still split the connection or is that also the job of the router?

 

[[MS]]

It depends on what protocol your ISP is using for your connection and if there are any additional restrictions.

Many people can only get a single IP, others can get many. The easiest way to find out is to try it out, hook up a hub\switch and try and try and get multiple IPs. Or check with the ISP. Or spend a little time at DSLReports and you might be able to figure it out.


For example, my home setup:

            ----------------
            |              |
            |  DSL modem   |
            |              |
            ----------------
                   |               
                   |
            -----------------
            |               |          
            | 10\100 switch | --- [ IP addressable devices ]        
            |               |         
            -----------------                      
              |           | 
              |           |
              |           |
      --------------   -----------------
      |            |   |               |          
      |   router   |   |  )( wireless  | --- [ wireless devices ]        
      |            |   |               |         
      --------------   -----------------                      
              |   |            
              |   |
              |   |--- [ DMZ ]
              |
              |
      -------------------
      |                 |          
      | 100\1000 switch | --- [ Private LAN ]        
      |                 |         
      -------------------

Obviously get multiple IPs from my provider (there seems to be no restriction for my DSL). If there was a single IP restriction on my service, I'd have to have a router at the top.

edit:
And yes the WAP is )( on purpose, I'm just a nice guy. But that's also why it's treated as external to my LAN, and I have other protections in play to isolate my wireless machines from random passers by. I also need IP addressable ports (top switch) for a couple specific reasons, and thus the odd setup.