Using switch with my Gentoo Laptop [SOLVED]

[pmatos]

Hello,

I've bought a PS3 and an unmanaged switch to connect both my PS3 and laptop to the net.
Unfortunately I came to the conclusion that only one device works at a time. No two devices can connect to the net at the same time. This is unfortunate!
This happens because both are given the same IP address by the DHCP server and since they have the same IP address once one device grabs the net all the others are not able to use.
For example, if I turn on the PS3 and access the net, then connect my laptop and access the net I can't. Why? Because on the laptop, dhcpcd returns:

[knifeyspoony]

Hi Paulo,

You need a router instead of a switch. To find out why, do a Google search on "router vs. switch".

Edit: I naively assumed you were connecting the switch directly to your modem. Is that the case?

[bunder]

some modems have a limit of how many devices can be plugged into it directly. check with your isp. if they say the limit is one, then you need a router.

cheers
_________________

[pmatos]

It seems that the solution is definitely a router.

Thanks for your comments!

[Hu]

Before you buy a router: you may be able to use your Gentoo system as a router. If you do, it will need two NICs: one for the connection to your ISP and one for the connection to your local device(s). Also, you will need the Gentoo system powered on whenever any of the devices needs network access. If you can live with these requirements, you save on buying a router and get a routing device that is (in my opinion) more flexible than most consumer-grade routers.

Feel free to ask for help if you decide to go this route and want guidance on how to configure the machine to route traffic.

[pmatos]