expanding LAN using ethernet ports on router

krishna

We have an ADSL router which has 4 ethernet ports on it (Edimax AR-7084A). We also have an 8 port switch (DLink DFE 908Dx) which connects several PCs, server and printer. One of the ports on the Dlink appears to be faulty and we need a couple of extra ports in any case. Just wondering if it is possible to set this up so that I can make use of the 3 spare ports on the router to expand our network a little. Or do I need to purchase an additional switch.

Conor_3

Just use the additional ports on the router. It'll assign addresses as required and the switch will forward the traffic to the router for IP addresses it doesn't recognise.

krishna

I've tried plugging the printer into one of those router ports and nothing seems to find it.

EDIT
Just tried connecting a PC that way and it seems to work. So I guess I'll just have to move things round on the switch.

old_codger1

Just as a matter of interest how many devices are you connecting overall? I suppose what I'm getting at is, why are you using an 8 port hub if your router already has 4 ports available?

Also, what method are you using to generate IP addresses? For instance, are you using Windows XP's built-in browsing or whatever?