Routers / Switches :: Add Wired Ports To DSL Modem And Get Gigabit SubLAN

Adding ports to my Fairpoint provided Westell 7500 Rev D DLS modem router which has only 4 RJ45 ports. Bought a Linksys SE2500 gigabit smart switch but it doesn't assign IP or pass on router assigned IPs. Can't get ASSISTANCE from Fairpoint [successor to Verizon] configuring router or any advice on other ways to get more wired devices on LAN.For speed in backups I'd like 3 devices to be able to communicate at giabit speed Want to have an NAS and 2 Win7 Ultimate computers on smart switch, 3 other wired devices [WinXP, AT&T Cell tower, & DirectTV whole house SWM interface] and wireless on the router. 1. Are Fairpoint specs for DSL published so I could get another DSL modem router instead of the Westell or is it better to configure Westell as a router only and use a new to be acquired router with or without the existing or a new gigabit switch. I have a DI-624 from the pre-DSL Hughesnet satellite days.2. Are there less smart switches which would work better and let router assign the IPs?3. If this is too complex for me, can you recommend a remote access consultant to walk me through this for a fee?4. I'm 82, have been in computing since 1960, mainly in on-line end user environment mbut don't know the bridging, PPP PPoE differences, and implementation or configuration details of current hard and software except as a user.