After getting re-acquainted with the differences between a switch and a router and a modem, I would suggest you wait for the router.
A switch will manage MAC addresses but does not issue IP addresses as V-golf said.
Now, there ARE switches that will provide DHCP and those are Level 3 switches, commercial, and they will cost over 4,000 dollars.
So, use the router assuming it has enough cable ports in the back of it for you. Otherwise you could connect the router to the modem, and connect your switch to the router, and your computers to the switch, assuming you have a switch that has more ports than the router does. Otherwise there is no need for the switch.
The switch merely expand the possible number of connections for a network. The switches today are inexpensive, have about 8 ports available, and cost about $25.00
I would just as soon take the $25.00, apply it toward a decent router and just use that.
Have a great weekend!
the best,
micro...
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