Solved Using a Switch in place of a Router? Spectrum provides our Internet.

[Mike Lynch]

Can an 8 Port Switch be used in place of a 4 Port Router?

If so, what impact might there be on a Home Network?

Spectrum provides us with a Modem and a Router.

They are separate Devices, not all in one

 

[file3456]

Here is your answer without me getting into it. LOL How Is a Router Different From a Switch?

The most significant difference between routers and switches is that routers connect networks, while switches connect devices within a network. Routers can connect to the internet and local devices, while switches connect local devices. You could technically use a switch in place of a router to create a LAN and connect it to the internet, but it would require additional configuration, wouldn’t work as well, and would lack vital security features.

A switch is on layer 2. A router is on layer 3. OSI model - Wikipedia

 

[samuria]

All so if you dont have a router and use modem your pc is live on the internet meaning anyone can hack it with a router the router is live and the pcs protected by NAT

 

[file3456]

Not necessarily if the modem has a built-in firewall which many do now-a-days. But it can be a concern if the modem doesn't have that. Also, I would never trust a company's firmware and their lack of code signing and security hygiene. It's why I roll third-party firmware for my router.