Hi, my Q is, can the router be used as a hub or as a switch for home small network (peer to peer connection)? Thanks

Yes we had a hub first but we upgraded to a router because it has a wireless connection that worked for out videogame systems. They are a little trickyer to set up but in the end it seamed to work basically the same. (would tell you how to set it up but my boyfriend did that and he's at work) lol

A broadband router, like the kind generally used for SOHO purposes, usually includes a 4 port switch. To use one as just a switch you need to disable the router features, specifically the DHCP.

Thanks for the replies. I think I have missed important piece of information in my Q. This router (Netgear) is also to be used for WAN connection to internet. Does this change anything in the solution? Thanks

It confuses the question. Like I said, most broadband routers come with a built in switch usually providing 4 LAN connections. So the answer is yes.

Configuring a SOHO Router as a Switch

(For the benefit of others who wish to reconfigure a router to switch, the instructions are general)

Look for an "uplink" feature on the (secondary) router. Often this feature is encumbered with some restrictions and frequently it is assigned to the last of first LAN port of the router/switch. Check you router docs.

With regard to actual configuration of the (secondary) router/switch...

- The WAN (or Internet) port is NOT used, therefore the WAN settings are moot.
- It is recommended that you manually assign a Static IP (e.g. 192.168.1.200) on the SAME subnet as the primary router.
- Unless this router/switch IS the LAN's DHCP server, turn OFF the (secondary) router/switch DHCP server.
- If applicable, you may wish to turn OFF the Wireless capability of the 2nd router/switch to eliminate wireless interference problem. Alternately, some router designs allows the router to "extend" the wireless network by functioning as a wireless "relay" or "extender" unit. Again, check your docs.

P2E