Does a Switch work similar to a Router?

I'm in need for a new Router, as I think it's bricked due to the fact that I can't access the Router through the Web Browser.

So I was looking at Switches, which have around 8 ports, I'm wondering if I get the Switch, would it work like a Router? I've Google'd the answer, but I can't find the answer really. People just give explanations of it, and don't actually answer the question.

But if I get a Switch, can it plug into various computers through my ISP Modem?

Edit: This is what I'm looking at currently: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...rue&Keywords=(keywords)&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

-LeetNeo.

 

Well, I'm not sure.


I use a switch when I am sharing an internet connection between a few computers. here is a picture of my setup.




The host PC requires 2 ethernet ports, one for the modem and one for the switch. With other operating systems, such as xp, sharing an internet connection is as simple as bridging the 2 network connections. In windows 7 however, it requires a little more configuring to get the desired settings that allow access to a shared internet connection and to shared files and folders on the other PC's.

That's how I use my switch like a router, however I'm not sure if you could connect the switch directly to the modem and have a setup like this


It seems plausible, but I've never gotten it to work this way



EDIT: yes, I made those pictures specifically for you

 

Thanks for the effort put into your post. I appreciate the help and also appreciate your patience in making that post.

However, I've decided to go with the Router because it doesn't seem that I can get something like that to work. I also don't have two ethernet ports on my main Computer or any Computer in my house. Anyways, thank you soo much for your help, I've also learned a lot from that post.

-LeetNeo.

 

Have you considered using a server?
I'm not sure your specific needs outside that of ICS, but servers are very useful for other things as well, especially if you have multiple PC's.

 

I do not need a server, I just need a network that will hook up all my connections. So my parents can use the internet as well, I just ordered a ASUS Router.

-LeetNeo.