Configuration with Switches and Static IP

Posts: 4

I'm trying to understand whether my configuration would work or whether I need more hardware...

Short version: I use a switch (not a router) and have two unused (static) IP addresses assigned to me by my DSL service provider. Do I really need a router?

Details: I have 4 static IPs assigned to me by my DSL provider (XO, formerly Concentric), and I only use two of those, one for my laptop (Win 98) and the other for my Win 2K Pro machine. Both machines are running Apache 2 as a light (about 5000 hits per week) web server.
The DSL comes in on the same line as my Verizon telephone service in New York City. The phone is split off and the DSL goes into the DSL modem (Efficient Networks Speed Stream 5260 Ethernet ADSL Modem (part #: 060-5660-003)). The output of this goes into a 4 port Switch (LinkSys EtherFast 10/100 5 Port Workgroup Switch - Model #: EZXS55W .v2). From here I have a line going to each of my two computers (leaving two ports on the switch unused).

Though I'm a web programmer, I'm a bit (OK, a lot) ignorant on all this network stuff. Vonage tells me I can add a router onto the output of one of the unused ports of the LinkSys Switch, and that the sole reason for this router is so the router can generate a dynamic IP address. Isn't this somewhat (technologically) wasteful? If you already have a static IP lying around, why waste hardware/software/money generating a dynamic one? Can I do something to bypass the router requirement?

Really, I can handle springing for a router. The more important issue is that when I go traveling overseas, I'd like to be able to use my anticipated Vonage service. I sort of imagined that all I would need is a phone that "essentially" plugs into an ethernet port. But if this router is a requirement, don't I need to lug that piece of hardware around with me, too, when I go traveling, in case the overseas computers I encounter don't have routers (I can access)?

I hope you can guage how much I know about this topic (routers / switches / static vs. dynamic IP / Voip) by the way I'm asking my questions. Please do straighten me out and/or provide links/pointers where I can increase my understanding.

Thanks,
Csaba Gabor from New York

Posts: 15 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Apr 18, 2003 Posts: 15

Straight and to the point:

Vonage WILL NOT allow you to change the IP in the ATA. No static IP.
It is silly, yes, but unfortunately that is the way it is.

-SNT

Posts: 54 · Full Forum Member Joined: May 01, 2003 Posts: 54

SNT is right. Vonage locks the configuation of the ATA so that they can do remote updates to firmware and network settings as is needed. Others have tried to get them to set a Static IP and the answer has always been, "No, we only support DHCP assigned IP addresses."

Posts: 38 · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2003 8:43 am Post subject:

I'm curious about your having multiple IPs from your ISP. Do they charge extra for that? Before I bought a router, I had 2 IPs, but Cox charged me $5 per month for the second one. When I bought the router, I dropped the second IP, and the router paid for itself in 7-8 months with the savings.

If you're being charged by the month for the additional IPs, it may pay you to drop them and buy a DHCP capable router, which would resolve the Vonage question as well.

Posts: 45 · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2003 5:06 pm Post subject:

Getting a router would also allow you to have a home network for file sharing that would not be open to the world for attack. The worms going around town would be blocked a router but in your current configuration both of your PCs are vulnerable for attack unless you have a software firewall. Go with dg's suggestion and get the router - put everything behind it and you'll be better off in the long run.