simple network sharing question

[colinhugg]

I'm a computer whiz - except for when it comes to networking. I have a desktop computer w/cable internet from Cox. Connection works wonderful. Well, now I have a laptop that I must use on the internet as well, so I thought I'd just buy a switch and split the internet connection rather than constantly having to unplug the cable from my desktop and plug it into the laptop. So the config is as such....cable modem --> switch --> 2 computers. The desktop still works fine, but the laptop will not connect (says "Limited or no connectivity"). So I thought maybe it's a problem with the switch, so I took the cable directly from the modem and plugged it into the laptop. Same thing. My question(s) is/are - do I need a router, is it an issue that the switch is a 10/100 mbps switch and the laptop card is a gig, and why would it not work going straight from the modem? Thanks in advance.

 

[tlarkin]

your modem probably only assigns one client an IP. Buying a router fixes this, since it translates your external IP to your internal IP range allowing you to share the internet. Routers are a minimal cost these days so I don't see why you wouldn't pick one up.