Member Avatar for sonya2525

Hi,
I work at a school which has a very simple network, so each computer in the network has an IP like: 192.168.... If i want to have two computers where I only have one port, can I get a gateway (or router...not sure what they're called) which has additional ports?

The reason I'm asking is that usually those devices (gateways/routers) define another private network (192.168..), and it's getting to a network that already is private (the one I mentioned above), so will that be ok??

I'm quite new in this area, and would really appreciate if somebody could help me.

Thank you.
Sonya

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Short answer: add a small Ethernet switch. A switch expands one physical Ethernet jack into multiple while keeping every machine on the same IP subnet because switches forward frames at Layer 2 (MAC-based). Routers, by contrast, route between subnets and usually run NAT/DHCP, which is why using a router out of the box can create a second private network.

Practical steps and checks:

  • Use a 5‑ or 8‑port unmanaged switch (Gigabit recommended).
  • Plug the school wall jack into any switch port (or the port labeled “uplink”), then plug the two computers into other ports.
  • If the network uses DHCP, NICs should be set to obtain IP automatically. If static IPs are required, ensure each host has a unique IP, the correct gateway, and proper DNS.
  • Verify link/activity LEDs on the switch and run ipconfig /all (Windows) or ifconfig/ip addr (Linux) to confirm addresses; if an address like 169.254.x.x appears, DHCP failed.
  • If a consumer router is used instead of a switch, disable its DHCP/NAT or put it into AP/bridge mode — otherwise it will create a second subnet (double NAT) and cause connectivity problems.

Important cautions: many school networks use port security (MAC locks), 802.1X authentication, or VLAN assignments that prevent an extra switch from working. Check with the network administrator before adding equipment. This approach echoes the switch suggestions from and and the daisy‑chaining note from ; for small local expansions an unmanaged switch is normally the cleanest, lowest‑risk solution.

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Member Avatar for damindawt

You can use a 8port switch & use the same network (ip range) in any port
You not need a router for it . Any calrifications mail me.

tks
Daminda

Hi,
I work at a school which has a very simple network, so each computer in the network has an IP like: 192.168.... If i want to have two computers where I only have one port, can I get a gateway (or router...not sure what they're called) which has additional ports?

The reason I'm asking is that usually those devices (gateways/routers) define another private network (192.168..), and it's getting to a network that already is private (the one I mentioned above), so will that be ok??

I'm quite new in this area, and would really appreciate if somebody could help me.

Thank you.
Sonya

Member Avatar for Zoraid

Sonia Its Much easy Just Buy a 5 Port Switch conect it with your existing switch using Simple Straight Cable and attached the Computer with the Same IP addresses to this switch you want single port , in this case you will have 3 moreports.:icon_razz:

Member Avatar for Zoraid

if not able to do then Call me on my Cell I will tell you through the rest of the procedure 0092333-4669564.

Zoraid

Member Avatar for Stylish

Please look up "daisy-chaining" or "piggy-backing" switches.

Connecting switches to switches is an accepted practice for expanding networks.

As someone above mentioned, you will want to check your switches' manuals to ensure there are no special requirements:
- Some switches have a special port for daisy-chaning
- Some switches require a "crossover" cable/wire
- Some switches automatically detect when daisy-chained and require nothing

Good luck!

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