Do I need a switch?

[north15]

Hello,

I have a few questions about whether or not I need to get a switch or not. I'm new to the server building community and this is one area I have yet to get any understanding.

Below is my short list of questions, but if anyone has any recommendations or links that would be useful, please feel free to send them my way. I love to read.

1. What would be the main purpose of a switch on my home server?
2. What kind of switch would I need to purchase?
3. What happens if I add a different server to the network without a switch?

I am more on the software side of the tech world, and the last time I read about switches was in my college networking classes.

Thanks in advanced,

 

[garm]

Most likely yes, and most likely you already have one. You want your server to be connected to wired Ethernet. If you have a basic home network setup you probably have a isp supplied router with several Ethernet ports on it. Each device connected to your network will get an IP address from your router. If you have more devices then you can fit in your router, you need a switch to split one cable into what ever amount of ports the switch has.

 

[north15]

Great, that makes a lot of sense, thanks for the reply!