I have a small network, Win2000Server domain controller with DNS and NAT working on it, with a few W2K/XP Pro clients, and a W2K Server acting as a DHCP server. The 5 port linksys switch is presently full, and i need to add a couple more client computers. I am going to add another 5 port linksys switch using the uplink port from the switch that is presently full (leaving the port next to it vacant) to port 1 on the new switch. Will this work? (I want this to all be one subnet!!!) Will the uplink port need a straight thru cable, not a cross-over cable? Will the 2nd switchs client computers still be able to get the 'ip address' from the DHCP server thats connected on the first switch? the W2K server has 2 NIC's, one to the router, (router: is connected to the cable modem)and the 2nd NIC is connected to the first switch (NAT). thanks

You will need a straight thru cable because a special uplink port is just like a crossover cable. And YES, DHCP, DNS a.s.o. will work for all connected clients (also the clients connected to the second switch).

I connect the first switch using its UPLINK PORT to the second switch using a REGULAR PORT? I don't connect UPLINK to UPLINK port on both switches? uplink ports are just to connect similar device to each other, for expansion purposes? is this the same wether I am using homebased linksys routers, switches, hubs, and if i am using Cisco (for a business) router, switches, hubs?

using a straight thru, the switch receives the bits on lines 1&2 and automatically crosses it over to lines 3&6 to the receiving host? this is how switches do the crossover conversion? line 1&2 = transmit line 3&6 = receive