Using a router as a switch

In order to use a router to be used as a switch, do the following:

1) Disable DHCP in the router
2) Connect the connection to be swtiched to one of the output ports of the router.
3) Set a static IP for the router
4) Connect the devices receiving the switched connection to one of the remaining output ports

This way, the number of switced ports available would be total number of router output ports - 1.
(The WAN port of the router will be dumb, unused).

Advantages:
1. Make use of one of the "lying around" router as a switch.

Disadvantage:
1. Routers are costlier than switch. So, next time a router is needed, make sure you buy a switch instead and pull the router off this make-shift arrangement and use it.