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  • #4096301
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    Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

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    by Rewwa WB ·

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    I’m a newbie. Sincerely appreciate if you’re willing to give advice!
    I wonder why computers cannot be connected directly to a router but via a Switch. Does it simply because router have merely one port or something? And please do not get too deep because I might not be able to understand too complex concepts as a beginner. Appreciate.

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    • #4096315
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      Reply To: Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

      by birdmantd ·

      In reply to Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

      I read your question more than once and I can’t figure out what you are asking. You need a switch to turn an electronic device on or off, is that what you mean?

    • #4096747
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      Re: switch

      by kees_b ·

      In reply to Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

      If fact, you don’t even need a router to connect a device to the internet. You can connect a PC directly to a modem. A router is a device that connects two or more computer networks (for example the internet and your home network).

      And, you don’t need a switch to connect a device to a router. You only need a switch if your router doesn’t have enough ports. But most routers have more than one port.

      A good use of a switch is to connect multiple devices in the same room, if that’s another room than the room where your modem and router are located. Then you need only one cable between the two rooms in stead of a cable for each device.

      Long ago (40 years ago) a PC had a serial port that you connected your dial-up modem to. No home networks, no routers, no switches.

    • #4097588

      Not an necessary of switch

      by msd82004 ·

      In reply to Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

      No, a switch is not necessary for a computer to connect to the internet. Network cables connect computers directly to routers. Typically, switches are used to expand a router’s Ethernet ports.

      On consumer-grade routers, Ethernet ports usually range from 1 to 4. If you need to connect multiple devices via Ethernet cables then you need a switch.

    • #4156449

      Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why

      by ryan.haris981 ·

      In reply to Is a Switch necessary for a computer to connect to the internet? And why?

      Computers are typically connected to a router via a switch or directly to the router itself. The reason for using a switch is to expand the number of available Ethernet ports. Most routers come with a limited number of ports (often 4 or so), and if you have more devices to connect, a switch acts as an extension, allowing you to connect multiple devices to a single router port. It’s like a power strip for your network, making it convenient to connect multiple devices without needing to add more ports to the router. Using a switch can prevent the naked router from running out of ports for your devices.

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