Question 1

I need a switch that has DHCP capability.  Can you tell me which ones have this ability?

Thanks, Helen

Accepted Answer

Helen,

Switches don't hand out IP addresses.  You need a router for that.  I don't know of any routers that don't do DHCP (give out IP addresses).  You can turn it off, but they all do it.  If you need more Ethernet ports, then you plug a switch into a router.  Most routers have 100 addresses dedicated to DHCP, most you can configure for more.  This router is in expensive and has worked well for about 9 months at my house.

Hope this helps,

Question 2

We have three laptop computers, win 7, vista, will be upgraded to win 10,  and a mac. I would like to connect them to my Comcast cable modem. We do not share any files, printers or other devices. Our use is mainly research and you tube, no movies or games. Should I use this router or a switch? We often have many windows open on each computer. I am looking for something simple to install so please keep your answers very simple. Thank you. 
                 Jim

Accepted Answer

James, thank You for the question.

The scenario You described above is well detailed, nicely done.

I would add a router to Your network such as the R402M or more recent routers.  There are 2 pieces of network hardware that handle traffic similarly but differently. A router will issue a numerical address to each device connected through it, called an IP or Internet Protocol address.   A switch does not do this, and relies on the router to hand out I.P addresses. If Your cable modem has 4 or 5 big phone connector looking plugs on the back, it has a router built in and you can use a switch. If the modem has 1 big connector that resembles a phone plug,  I would suggest a router.  Since You are not using a great deal of bandwidth/speed I would suggest an inexpensive router. You can go to more expensive routers that support wireless connections to the router, or even gigabit. Gigabit is 10 times the speed of 100 based wired connection. Unless your running CERN level research... you found a solid router for reasonable.

Question 3

does this have "cable" capability? I have a xfinity cable and I would like to add it in a different room so I can have internet access in that "other" room. This will be in addition to the xfinity modem/router I have in the "other" room?

Accepted Answer

This router will work to extend your xfinity network but, Do you really need it.
What you really need is a Switch/Hub not a router. And 
That is assuming you do not already have an extra unused Ethernet port on the back of your Xfinity cable modem.
If you happen to have an extra Ethernet port on the back of your Xfinity modem, Just run an Ethernet cable from that port to your other computer.  if you do not have an extra Eithernet port, Just get a lower cost TPLink Hub/Switch not router.

Here is NewEggs part number for the item you need.
Just copy and paste this into the newEgg search bar

TP-LINK TL-SF1005D 10/100Mbps 5-Port Unmanaged Desktop Switch, Power-Saving

and click search.

Hope that helps a bit.  :)

Question 4

We don't want a wireless router.  Is this a non-wireless router (it does NOT have wireless capabilities or signal emission)?

Accepted Answer

Correct - this router does not have wireless connectivity.  We typically us this in front of a modem when we want to connect multiple devices to an ISP device that does not have internal routing functionality.

Question 5

Will this work under Windows Server 2008 R2?

Accepted Answer

This box is stupid simple, so it may well throw you aback (as it did me).  It does work well between several Linux boxes and now, since I've added a Win7 box, it still works,

Just remember, "STUPID SIMPLE".

The installation disc proved ineffective compared to manual coding though.

I am more of a Linux kind of folk.  Just remember "STUPID SIMPLE"  Simply follow the power up instructions.

It is perfect for a wired system.   My WiFi is not involved with this.

Question 6

Does this do ipv6 addressing?

Accepted Answer

I have checked the NewEgg products page, and the TP-Link website for this router and NONE of there current documentation says anything about IPv6.

This router is an older router from TP-Link, it only shows for WAN and LAN 10/100Mbps. That plus a few other indicators point more to IPv4 only.

So If you haven't purchased this router and you like TP-Link look for another model that gives you IPv6. Just do your research before buying.

Question 7

Will this 'router' NAT all outbound packets or is it really routing? If it NATs can that feature be turned off?

Accepted Answer

Their support site has a page of FAQs that is informative, at:  
www (dot) tp-link (dot) com/en/download/TL-R860 (dot) html.

TP-link's support website has a mistake in the link to the full 63 page pdf manual, but a search found that it should have ended with the text "resourceid=1054" instead of "resourceid=4308".  I'm kind of a novice at networking, and didn't find a direct answer to your questions, but it does describe turning off Firewall features, Port Triggering and Port Forwarding, so maybe your answer is in there.

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