Router Suggestion

I'm am currently using a switch to run two computers in my household and I was wondering if I would be better off using a router. Sometimes it seems my computer lags when I'm on the net and I'm wondering if I get a router if it would take care of the problem. If this may indeed be a cure to my situation does anyone have a recommendation on what one I should purchase? I'm just trying to eliminate things that could be hindering my computers performance as I've been having some issues! Thanks .

 

it probably wouldnt take care of lag, but it would be a little more secure if you had a router in between your private network and the internet.

few good brands: d link, netgear, linksys

 

Thanks King for the info. Ok so now I'm getting a router and from my understanding one that is set up for DHCP is more simpler to work with (just plug things in and go) ? So what I done was an ipconfig to see what my current status was for that (see attachment) . Now if I'm reading the attachment right I should be good to go if I get a router that is set for DHCP right? I know routers can be changed but why hassle with that if I can just plug and play (sort a speak) !

 

youll be just fine if you buy a router. right now as youre set up, youre using public IPs on your computers which is very insecure. anyone on the internet can see that IP. and since that public ip isnt on a router interface, and instead on your computer, someone can easily gain access to that computer from the internet.

when you get your router, youll want to plug the cat5 coming from your modem into the wan/internet port on the router. then plug your computers into the other 4 switch ports. as for dhcp, you might need to run an ipconfig/release and ipconfig/renew from command prompt when you plug your router in to refresh your IP address. if you need help with that just post back.

 

I'll be tackling this issue here over the next few days and thanks for the info. I have to do a little studying on this networking stuff. I know enough obviously to get me in trouble but I do have my system firewalled at the computer itself and I only done that because I was attacked by something that shut me down more or less. I had to reinstall and lost some things that I didn't get a chance to backup. Thought that just running Windows Defender with Windows firewall was enough to protect me!!Should've done more reasearch. LOL I'm using free stuff that I got here from MG's that beats windows stuff hands down !

 

That is how a typical network looks with a Wireless Router.

http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

This might help too - How to Fix Cable/DSL Internet authentication (password). - http://www.ezlan.net/broadband.html
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