Basic Networking Question...

[TOR_LordRaven]

I think I know the answer to this but wanted to get more opinions..

I have a Gigabit WiFi Router at the house, with a little 5 port switch connected to it.

I want to clean up my networking area but at the same time have more room for additinal computers.

What I am wanting to do, is replace the old 5 port 10/100 switch with a 10/100/1000 switch that has more ports, and run all my equipment off that - instead of having some things connected to the router, and other things connected to the switch.

Then my setup would be: DSL -> Router -> Switch -> Everything else.

My question is, lets say we are having a LAN party at my house and everyone is on the Switch. The Switch and Router are connected by one port on each - Will all the network traffic stay on the switch because everyone else is on the switch? Or would everyone be passed to the Router through that one port and back to the switch again?

I suspect that once people connect, the Router would assign everything with DHCP and its job would be done, the Switch would handle all \"In-Network\" data. Unless of course someone wanted to jump on the internet or something.

Your Thoughts?

Thanks guys!

[CDN_Merlin]

The router would assign IPs. The switch will direct traffic only internally unless it's destined to go outside the LAN.

[Krom]

In short: Yes.

Switches are smart and only direct traffic to the ports it needs to go to.

[TOR_LordRaven]

thats what I thought, but wanted to make sure

Thanks Guys.