Using a cable modem on a switch

[Steve B]

Is it possible for me to use a cable modem on a switch, as long as I allocate the cable modem an IP address?

+------------------------------------+
| Switch                             |
+------------------------------------+
 |               |             |
Modem         Server         PC1

like so?

Ta

[Funkstar]

Nope. You need a router to join the two networks, even if you are using static IPs or getting smething else to deal with DHCP

[Steve B]

big fluffy bum cheeks

[manwithnoname]

A router instead of switch works - but I guess you know that. Can I ask why you want to use a switch?

[Funkstar]

big fluffy bum cheeks

no, just a router

It's the same as trying to hook a wireless AP to a cable modem, that won't work either

[Steve B]

- I only have a gigabit switch, not a gigabit router.
- I want to make a small mail server, firewally thing to sit directly behind the cable modem, but I've only got one huge ethernet cable. The small mail server firewally thing needs to go in the cupboard, along with the Thecus, instead of right beside the TV, where the cable point is now.
- Anyone got a long piece of co-axial cable lying about? Long as in 10m

[Agent]

You could use a PC as the router though, but you'd need 2 network cards

This would then go

+------------------------------------+
| Switch                             |
+------------------------------------+
 |               |             
PC 1         Server         
 |
Modem

PC1 would have to run some sort of ICS, and of course PC 1 and Server and interchangeable
Edit - the routing PC must be switched on too to route anything. When electricity / hassle is taken into account, it just makes sense to buy a cheap router. There is no reason you cant put the switch behind it allowing all the machines on the network gigabit transfer rates.
This would then look like

+------------------------------------+
| Switch                             |
+------------------------------------+
 |               |                  |
Router        Server         PC 1
 |
Modem

You will have a "bottleneck" with the router at 100meg (and any machines directly connected to its ports), but unless your net connection is above that, there isn't an issue (you can use the ports on your switch for all machines )

[Funkstar]

- Anyone got a long piece of co-axial cable lying about? Long as in 10m

I actually might

Won't be down to Glasgow in the near future though