Installing a Netgear switch before Airport Express

[the7th1]

Hi all,
I have a cablemodem with only one ethernet port (out). To this port I currently connect my Apple Express as my only access point. However, now I need an extra ethernet port for a Samsung HD TV recorder (to rent movies over my provider and for software updates). Solution would be to install a switch with 5 ports, like Netgear. Now I just wonder: Will it interfere with my IP adress? (Dynamic) - Or does a switch only split the signal? Sorry for asking what may be a basic question, but I am a Mac user because I do not ever need to get technical...

 

[velocityg4]

You should be using a router for this unless your modem can act as a router. Though it is usually only DSL modems that can do that.