How to Use Your Router as a Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have multiple devices in your home or office and want to connect them all to the internet, you will need a way to configure your network. One option is to use a router as a switch. This allows you to connect multiple devices to a single network, providing a seamless and efficient connectivity solution for your network needs.

A router is a device that connects multiple devices in a local area network (LAN) and allows them to communicate with each other while also providing access to the internet. A switch, on the other hand, is a device that connects multiple devices within a network and allows them to communicate with each other. By configuring your router as a switch, you can combine the functionality of both devices.

The first step to using your router as a switch is to connect it to your existing network. You will need an Ethernet cable to connect the router to your modem or gateway. Once connected, you will need to configure the router’s settings to act as a switch. This typically involves disabling the router’s DHCP server, as you want your existing network to assign IP addresses to connected devices.

Next, you will need to configure the LAN settings on your router. This includes setting a static IP address on the router’s LAN interface and disabling features such as the firewall and NAT. By doing this, you are essentially turning off the router’s routing capabilities and allowing it to function solely as a switch.

Once you have configured your router as a switch, you can connect your devices to the Ethernet ports on the router. These ports will act as the switch ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices and provide them with internet connectivity. You can also connect the router to other switches or hubs to expand your network further.

By utilizing your router as a switch, you can simplify the setup and management of your network, while also improving the efficiency of your network traffic. This is especially useful in situations where you have limited wired connections or need to connect devices in different parts of a building.

In summary, configuring your router as a switch allows you to connect multiple devices to a single network and provide them with internet connectivity. By following a few simple steps and adjusting the settings on your router, you can easily set up a switch to enhance your network connectivity and manage your devices effectively.

Understanding the Basics

The setup and configuration of a router involve several key components and terms that are important to understand. These include LAN, internet, switch, network, port, bridge, configure, wireless, connect, connectivity, gateway, config, router, device, hub, firewall, ethernet, and cable.

A router is a device that allows multiple devices to connect to a network and share a single internet connection. It acts as a gateway between the local area network (LAN) and the internet.

One of the main functions of a router is to provide connectivity between devices on the same network. This is achieved through the use of ports, which are physical connections on the router where devices can be plugged in. Each port on a router can be used to connect a device, such as a computer or a switch.

A switch is a networking device that allows multiple devices to connect to a network. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and allows devices on the same network to communicate with each other. A switch can have multiple ports, each representing a connection point for a device.

In some cases, a router can be configured to act as a switch by bridging the connections between the LAN and the internet. This allows devices on the LAN to have direct access to the internet without the need for additional equipment.

Wireless connectivity is another important aspect of a router. Most modern routers come with built-in wireless capabilities, allowing devices to connect to the network without the need for cables. This provides flexibility and convenience for users, as they can connect to the network from anywhere within range.

Difference Between a Router and a Switch

The main difference between a router and a switch is their functionality within a network. A router is a device that connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them. It acts as the gateway between the local area network (LAN) and the internet. The router can be configured to provide wireless connectivity and has multiple Ethernet ports to connect devices.

A switch, on the other hand, is a device that enables connectivity between multiple devices within a network. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to forward data packets between devices connected to its ports. A switch can have multiple Ethernet ports, allowing devices to connect to the network using a wired connection.

While a router and a switch are both network devices, they have different purposes. A router is responsible for directing network traffic, while a switch is responsible for creating and maintaining connections between devices within a network.

Another difference between the two is that a router often includes additional features such as a firewall and the ability to configure network settings, whereas a switch is more focused on facilitating connectivity.

In summary, a router is an essential device for connecting a network to the internet and directing traffic between networks, while a switch is used to create connections between devices within a network. Both devices serve different purposes and are essential components of a network infrastructure.

Benefits of Using a Router as a Switch

Using a router as a switch has several benefits for your network setup. By turning your router into a switch, you can expand the number of available ports for connecting your devices. This can be especially useful if you have multiple devices that require a wired Ethernet connection, but only have a limited number of ports on your router.

Additionally, using a router as a switch can help to improve the overall connectivity and performance of your network. Routers are typically designed to handle a large amount of traffic and provide a stable connection. By utilizing a router as a switch, you can take advantage of these capabilities and ensure that all of your devices have a strong and reliable connection.

Another benefit of using a router as a switch is that it allows you to easily configure and manage your network. Most routers provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to set up and configure various network settings, such as IP addresses, DHCP, and firewall settings. By using your router as a switch, you can centrally manage these settings for all connected devices, ensuring optimal network performance and security.

Furthermore, using a router as a switch can provide an added layer of security for your network. Routers typically include built-in firewall and security features, such as NAT (Network Address Translation) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) support. By using your router as a switch, you can leverage these security features to protect your network and connected devices from unauthorized access.

Lastly, using a router as a switch can help to simplify and streamline your network setup. Instead of using multiple devices, such as separate switches and routers, you can combine these functions into a single device. This can reduce cable clutter and make it easier to connect and manage your devices.

In summary, using a router as a switch offers several benefits for your network setup, including increased connectivity, improved performance, easy configuration and management, enhanced security, and simplified setup. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can create a robust and efficient network infrastructure for your home or office.

Common Scenarios for Using a Router as a Switch

If you have multiple devices in your network and need to expand your connectivity options, using a router as a switch can be a cost-effective solution. Here are some common scenarios where this setup can be useful:

• Expanding Network Ports: If you have run out of available port connections on your existing switch or router, you can connect an additional switch to expand the number of ports available for connecting devices to your network.
• Connecting Devices in Different Rooms: If you have devices that are located in different rooms, you can use a router as a switch to bridge the gap and provide connectivity to devices in those areas.
• Separating Network Segments: You may want to isolate certain devices or groups of devices from the rest of your network for security or organizational purposes. By using a router as a switch, you can create separate network segments and control the traffic flow between them.
• Creating a Wireless Access Point: If your router has both Ethernet and wireless capabilities, you can use it as a switch to connect wired devices while also providing wireless connectivity to devices that support Wi-Fi.
• Setting up a Guest Network: By configuring your router as a switch, you can create a separate network for guests to connect to without giving them access to your main network. This can help protect your personal devices and files from unauthorized access.

When using a router as a switch, it’s important to keep in mind that certain features of the router, such as the firewall or the gateway, may not be available in this configuration. Additionally, you will need to properly configure the router to act as a switch by disabling certain functions, such as DHCP and NAT, and connecting devices to the LAN ports instead of the WAN port.

Overall, using a router as a switch can be a practical solution for expanding your network and providing connectivity to devices in different locations. Whether you need to connect devices in separate rooms, create separate network segments, or provide wireless access, this setup offers flexibility and convenience.

Configuring the Router as a Switch

Configuring your router as a switch can be a useful way to extend your network connectivity and maximize the usage of your devices. By using your router as a switch, you can connect multiple devices to your network using a single internet connection and easily manage your network traffic.

The first step in configuring your router as a switch is to disable the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) settings on the router. DHCP is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on a network, but since your router will now be functioning as a switch, it will not need to perform this task. Disable the DHCP settings in the router’s configuration interface.

Next, you will need to connect your router to the rest of your network. This can be done by connecting one of the LAN (Local Area Network) ports on the router to a port on your existing network router or gateway using an Ethernet cable. This will allow your devices connected to the switch to access the internet through the main router or gateway.

Once the physical connectivity is established, you will need to configure the router to act as a switch. This involves disabling any firewall or security settings on the router that may interfere with the network traffic between the devices. Additionally, you may need to configure the wireless settings on the router to ensure that the wireless connectivity is disabled and all devices are connected via Ethernet cables.

If you want to use a specific port on the router as an uplink port to connect it to the main network router or gateway, you can choose one of the LAN ports and configure it accordingly. This will ensure that all the traffic from the devices connected to the switch passes through that specific port.

It is also worth noting that by configuring your router as a switch, you are essentially creating a network bridge. A network bridge acts as a connection between different networks, allowing devices on one network to communicate with devices on another network. This can be beneficial if you have multiple networks in your home or office that need to be connected.

In conclusion, configuring your router as a switch can be a straightforward process, and it offers numerous benefits in terms of network connectivity and management. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily transform your router into a switch and make the most of your network infrastructure.

Disable DHCP on the Router

Disabling DHCP on the wireless router is an essential step that needs to be performed when you configure it to work as a switch. DHCP, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on the network. By disabling DHCP on the router, you are effectively turning off its ability to act as a gateway and assign IP addresses to devices connected to it.

To disable DHCP on the router, you’ll need to access the router’s web-based configuration interface. This can usually be done by typing the router’s IP address into a web browser. Once you’ve logged in to the router’s administrative interface, look for the DHCP settings. You may need to navigate through menus or tabs to find the DHCP options.

Once you’ve found the DHCP settings, you can disable the DHCP server by selecting the option to turn it off. This will prevent the router from assigning IP addresses to devices connected to it. However, keep in mind that if you are using the router as a bridge or switch, you will need to connect it to another device, such as a cable modem or another router, that is acting as the main gateway for your network.

Disabling DHCP on the router is important because it prevents conflicts in IP address assignment when multiple devices are connected to the network. Without DHCP enabled, you will need to manually configure the IP address settings on each device connected to the router. This can be done by assigning static IP addresses on each device within the same network subnet.

By turning off DHCP on the router, you are essentially transforming it into a switch. A switch is a device that allows multiple devices to connect and communicate with each other within a local area network (LAN). Unlike a router, a switch does not assign IP addresses or provide gateway functionality. It simply facilitates the connection and traffic flow between devices.

Once you have disabled DHCP on the router, you can connect devices to its Ethernet ports. These ports act as the switch’s ports, allowing devices to communicate with each other. You can connect devices directly to the ports using Ethernet cables or use a hub to expand the number of available ports. However, keep in mind that connecting devices directly to the router’s Ethernet ports may expose them to potential security risks, as the router’s firewall and other security features will no longer be active.

Connect the Router to the Existing Network

Before using your router as a switch, you need to connect it to the existing network. This can be done by following a few simple steps:

1. First, ensure that your router is in bridge mode. Bridge mode allows the router to connect to the existing network without creating a separate network. You can usually set this up in the router’s configuration settings.
2. Next, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to a free LAN port on the existing network’s device, such as a switch or hub. The LAN ports are typically labeled with numbers or symbols and provide connectivity to the local area network (LAN).
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN or Internet port on your router. This port is often yellow or labeled with the word “Internet” and serves as the gateway between the router and the internet.
4. Make sure your router is powered on and check that the lights on the ports are flashing, indicating a connection. You may need to wait a few moments for the router to establish connectivity.
5. Finally, you can configure the router settings if necessary. This may include setting up a wireless network, configuring firewall settings, or changing the LAN IP address. Consult your router’s user manual or manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions on how to do this.

By connecting your router to the existing network, you are able to extend your network’s coverage and provide additional ports for devices to connect to. This setup allows the router to act as a switch, routing traffic between devices on the network and providing internet access through the existing network connection.

Configure LAN Settings on the Router

Once the initial setup of your router is complete, the next step is to configure the LAN (Local Area Network) settings. This involves setting up the network connectivity for all devices connected to the router, both wired and wireless.

To configure the LAN settings, you will need to access the router’s web-based configuration interface. Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable or wirelessly, if your router supports wireless connectivity.

To access the router’s web interface, open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address into the URL bar. The IP address and login details can usually be found on a sticker on the router or in the user manual. Once connected, you will be prompted to enter a username and password to access the router’s configuration settings.

Once logged in, navigate to the LAN or Network settings section. Here, you can configure the LAN IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, DHCP settings, and other network-related parameters. The LAN IP address is the address used by devices on the network to communicate with the router, while the default gateway is the IP address of the router itself.

If you wish to enable DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), the router will automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network. This eliminates the need for manual configuration and makes it easier to connect new devices to the network.

Additionally, you may want to configure firewall settings to enhance security on your LAN. A firewall helps to protect your network by screening and blocking unauthorized access from the internet. You can specify which ports and protocols are allowed or blocked, depending on your needs.

Once you have configured the LAN settings, save the changes and restart the router. This will ensure that the new settings take effect and provide seamless connectivity for all devices on your network. With the LAN settings properly configured, your router can act as a switch, allowing devices to communicate with each other and access the internet.

Testing and Troubleshooting

Once you have set up your router as a switch, it is important to test and troubleshoot your network to ensure proper functionality. Here are some steps you can take to test and troubleshoot your setup:

1. Check LAN connectivity: Verify that all the LAN ports on your router are working properly. Connect an Ethernet cable to each port and test connectivity with different devices on your network. If any port is not functioning, try a different cable or device to isolate the issue.
2. Verify gateway configuration: Check the gateway settings on each device connected to the network. Ensure that the gateway IP address is correctly configured on each device to ensure proper network connectivity.
3. Test device connectivity: Connect different devices to the network and test their connectivity. This includes both wired and wireless devices. Check if they are able to connect to the internet and access resources on the network.
4. Test Ethernet cable connections: Verify the Ethernet cable connections between your devices and the router. Make sure the cables are securely connected, and if necessary, try using a different cable to rule out any cable-related issues.
5. Check firewall and security settings: Ensure that your router’s firewall and security settings are properly configured to allow the desired network traffic. Adjust any settings as necessary to ensure proper access and connectivity for your devices.
6. Check network configuration: Review the network configuration settings on your devices to ensure they are set up correctly. This includes IP addresses, subnet masks, and DNS settings. Make sure they are aligned with your network setup.
7. Test wireless connectivity: If your router supports wireless connections, test the wireless connectivity by connecting wireless devices to the network. Check if they are able to connect and access the internet without any issues.
8. Verify cable modem configuration: If you are using a cable modem connected to your router, ensure that its configuration is correct. This may involve contacting your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
9. Configure port forwarding: If you have specific devices or services that require port forwarding, configure the necessary settings on your router to enable the traffic to reach those devices or services.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your router setup as a switch is working effectively and that all devices on your network have proper connectivity.

Checking Network Connectivity

Before configuring your router as a switch, it is important to check the network connectivity to ensure that all devices on the network can communicate with each other.

To check network connectivity, you can consider the following steps:

• Connect devices to the router: Connect all devices you want to include in the network to the router using ethernet cables or wirelessly if your router supports wireless connectivity.
• Check IP addresses: Ensure that each device connected to the router has a unique IP address. You can check the IP address configuration in the router’s settings or using the device’s network settings.
• Configure router settings: Access the router’s configuration settings by typing its IP address in a web browser. Check if the router is set up as a gateway or bridge, as this can affect network connectivity.
• Test network connectivity: Use the ping command or a network testing tool to check if devices can communicate with each other. Ping a device’s IP address from another device to see if you get a response. This will help identify any connectivity issues.
• Check traffic and firewall settings: Make sure that the router’s firewall settings are configured correctly to allow necessary network traffic. Firewall settings can block certain incoming and outgoing connections, so it is important to check and adjust them if needed.
• Verify internet connectivity: If your network is connected to the internet through the router, check if you have internet connectivity by opening a web browser and attempting to load a webpage. If the webpage loads successfully, it indicates internet connectivity.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and ensure network connectivity within your network setup. It is important to regularly check the network connectivity to identify and address any issues that may arise.

Testing the Switch Functionality

After configuring your router as a switch, it’s important to test its functionality to ensure that everything is working correctly. Here are the steps to test the switch functionality:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to one of the switch ports.
2. Connect another Ethernet cable from a device, such as a computer or a printer, to a different switch port on the router.
3. Verify that the switch ports are configured correctly by checking the port status. This can usually be done through the router’s configuration interface.
4. Test the switch’s ability to forward traffic by sending data packets between the connected devices. You can do this by transferring files or pinging the devices to check for connectivity.
5. If you have a firewall set up on your router, test its functionality by verifying that the firewall is not blocking any necessary traffic. You can do this by attempting to access the internet on the connected devices.
6. If you have set up a wireless network on your router, test the wireless connectivity by connecting a wireless device to the network and verifying that it can access the internet.
7. Test the switch’s ability to bridge connections between different LANs by connecting devices from different networks to the switch and checking for connectivity.
8. Check the switch’s ability to handle multiple connections simultaneously by connecting multiple devices to the switch and ensuring that all devices have proper connectivity.

By following these steps, you can test and verify the functionality of your router as a switch. This will ensure that your network is set up correctly and that all devices are able to communicate effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Connectivity: If you are experiencing issues with connectivity, make sure that all the cables are properly connected to the router. Check if the router is powered on and the LAN ports are working. Reboot the router and try reconnecting the devices to see if that resolves the issue.

Router Acting as a Hub: If your router is acting as a hub instead of a switch, you may need to configure the device settings. Access the router’s configuration page and look for options to disable the hub functionality. Once disabled, the router should function solely as a switch.

Firewall Blocking Traffic: If you are unable to access certain websites or services, check if your router’s firewall is blocking the traffic. Access the router’s configuration page and adjust the firewall settings to allow the desired traffic. Additionally, make sure that any external firewalls, such as those on your computer, are not causing the issue.

Port Configuration: If a specific port on the router is not working, try connecting a different device to the same port to verify if it’s a port issue or a problem with the device itself. If the port is indeed not functioning, you may need to replace the router or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

LAN Setup: Ensure that your LAN setup is properly configured. Check if the router’s LAN IP address is correctly set and if the DHCP server is enabled. Verify that the devices connected to the network are receiving IP addresses from the router’s DHCP server. If not, manually configure the IP addresses in the devices to ensure proper connectivity.

Internet Connection Issues: If you are experiencing issues with your internet connection, check if the router is properly connected to the ISP’s modem. Ensure that the cable connecting the router and the modem is secure and functional. Contact your ISP if you are unable to establish a connection and verify if there are any known issues in your area.

Wireless Configuration: If you are having trouble connecting to the wireless network, verify if the router’s wireless settings are properly configured. Make sure that the SSID (network name), security key, and encryption method are set correctly. Try reconnecting to the network using the correct credentials or resetting the wireless network settings on the router if necessary.

Router Network Bridge: If you have set up a router network bridge, ensure that the bridge configuration is accurate. Check if the bridge mode is enabled on the router and if the correct devices are included in the bridge. Make any necessary adjustments to the bridge configuration to resolve any connectivity issues.

Ethernet or Switch Ports: If the Ethernet or switch ports on the router are not functioning properly, try connecting the devices to different ports. If the problem persists, it may be a hardware issue with the router. Consider replacing the router or contacting the manufacturer for further assistance.

Gateway Configuration: If you are experiencing issues with the gateway configuration, ensure that the correct gateway address is set in the router’s settings. Verify if the gateway IP address matches the network setup and adjust it if necessary. Reboot the router after making any changes to ensure the new configuration takes effect.

Additional Considerations

When using your router as a switch, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

• Network Configuration: It is important to configure your router properly to act as a switch. This may involve disabling the router’s wireless capabilities and setting up the necessary configurations to enable switch functionality.
• Wireless Connectivity: If you are using your router as a switch, keep in mind that it will not provide wireless connectivity. You will need a separate device, such as a wireless access point, to provide wireless connectivity to your network.
• Bridge Mode: Some routers may have a bridge mode, which allows them to act as a bridge between two separate networks. This can be useful if you need to connect two networks together and want to use your router as the bridge device.
• Ethernet Cable: To connect your devices to the router switch, you will need Ethernet cables. Make sure you have the appropriate length cables to reach all your devices.
• Limited Ports: Most routers have a limited number of Ethernet ports available. If you have many devices to connect, you may need to consider using an additional switch or hub to expand the number of available ports.
• Gateway and Firewall: When using your router as a switch, the gateway and firewall functionalities may not be available. This means that the switch devices connected to your router will not have the same level of security and protection as devices connected directly to the router itself.

By considering these factors and properly configuring your router, you can effectively use it as a switch to connect multiple devices in your network.

Security Measures

When using your router as a switch, it is important to take certain security measures to protect your internet connection and devices from potential threats. Here are some steps you can follow to enhance the security of your setup:

1. Configure secure passwords: Set a strong password for your router’s administration page to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, make sure to use a unique password for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized users from connecting to your network.
2. Disable unused ports: If you are not using certain ports on the router, it is recommended to disable them. This prevents any potential unauthorized access to your network through these unused ports.
3. Enable gateway functionality: Enable the gateway functionality on your router to act as a bridge between your local area network (LAN) and the internet. This helps in filtering and controlling the incoming and outgoing traffic, adding an extra layer of security.
4. Keep your router’s firmware up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates from the router manufacturer’s website and install them to ensure that your router is running the latest security patches and fixes.
5. Disable wireless broadcasting: If you are using the router solely as a switch, consider disabling the wireless functionality to minimize the risks associated with wireless connectivity. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing your network through the wireless connection.
6. Enable MAC address filtering: Configure your router to only allow connections to specific devices by adding their MAC addresses to the allowed list. This prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to your network.
7. Use encryption: Enable encryption protocols such as WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access II with Pre-Shared Key) to encrypt the data transmitted over your wireless network. This helps protect your network from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
8. Regularly monitor network activity: Keep an eye on the traffic and activity on your network to identify any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access. This can help you take prompt action in case of any security threats.

By implementing these security measures, you can ensure a safer and more secure environment for your devices and network when using your router as a switch. Remember to regularly review and update your security settings to stay ahead of potential threats.

Expansion Options

Once you have set up your router as a switch, there are several expansion options you can consider to improve the functionality and performance of your network.

1. Firewall: Many routers come with built-in firewall capabilities. By configuring the firewall settings, you can enhance the security of your network by blocking unwanted traffic and protecting your devices from potential threats.

2. Multiple LAN Ports: If your router has multiple LAN ports, you can connect more devices to your network, such as computers, gaming consoles, or smart home devices. Each LAN port acts as a bridge between the devices connected to it, allowing them to communicate with each other and the internet.

3. Wireless Connectivity: Most routers also support wireless connectivity, allowing devices to connect to the network without the need for physical cables. You can configure the wireless settings of your router to provide internet access to laptops, smartphones, and other wireless devices.

4. Internet Gateway: A router can serve as an internet gateway for your network, allowing all connected devices to access the internet. By connecting your router to a modem or other internet source, you can share the internet connection with multiple devices simultaneously.

5. Network Hub: In addition to acting as a switch, some routers also have network hub functionality. A network hub allows multiple devices to connect to a network and communicate with each other. However, unlike a switch, a hub doesn’t manage traffic and can result in lower network performance.

By exploring these expansion options and configuring your router accordingly, you can create a reliable and efficient network that meets your specific needs and enhances your internet connectivity.

Limitations of Using a Router as a Switch

While using a router as a switch can be a convenient solution in some situations, there are a few limitations to consider.

Limited Number of Ports: A typical router has a limited number of Ethernet ports. This means that if you want to connect multiple devices to your network using a router as a switch, you may run out of available ports. Switches, on the other hand, often have more ports available for connecting devices.

Configuration Complexity: Setting up a router to act as a switch requires additional configuration. This can be more complex than simply plugging in a switch and connecting devices. Configuring the router involves assigning IP addresses, configuring the gateway, and setting up DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) for network connectivity. With a switch, these configurations are often not necessary.

Network Performance: When using a router as a switch, the traffic between devices connected to the switch will still need to pass through the router. This can create a bottleneck and potentially reduce network performance. Switches, on the other hand, allow for direct communication between devices connected to the switch, without needing to pass through the router.

Firewall Limitations: Routers typically include a built-in firewall for protecting your network from unauthorized access. When using a router as a switch, you may lose some of the firewall features that are typically available. This can potentially expose your network to security risks if not properly configured and secured.

Wireless Connectivity: If you are using a wireless router as a switch, the wireless connectivity features may be disabled when operating in switch mode. This means that devices that rely on wireless connectivity may not be able to connect to the network. Switches do not have this limitation, as they are designed specifically for wired connectivity.

Limited Expandability: If you require additional ports in the future, it may be more difficult to expand the number of available ports when using a router as a switch. Switches often offer modular designs, allowing for easy expansion and scalability.

In summary, while using a router as a switch can be a viable solution in certain scenarios, it is important to consider these limitations before making a decision. If you require a larger number of ports, simpler configuration, optimal network performance, advanced firewall features, or wireless connectivity, using a dedicated switch may be a better choice.