Whats the Difference b/w ROUTERS/SWITCHES/HUBS?

[buddhafest]

Hay guys.. im gonna be networking my computers and i have DSL internect connection.


So I'm wondering what the difference is between a switch, a router and a hub... and which one would be the best bet for me to go for???

I currently have onl two computers but i am planning on adding more in years to come...


and id like ot be able to share the printer bewtween the computers and possibly any other device like a scanner etc.


so any suggestions on what i should go for???

Router would be the cheapest since you'd not have to pay your Internet service any more. With a hub you would.

I have 3 PCs and a laptop networked sharing a single cable modem without a problem on a $30 router.

[osprey4]

I like this page for definitions...
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/...idge_types.htm

What you will need, as Shahani said, is a router for sharing broadband.

[captainjrl]

Go for a router with a built in switch instead of one with a hub. The price should almost be the same and a switch is faster (though you may never see the difference unless your moving larger files across your home network).

[buddhafest]

Originally posted by osprey4
I like this page for definitions...
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/...idge_types.htm

What you will need, as Shahani said, is a router for sharing broadband.

yeah thanks osprey4 for that link... it helped me figure out sum differences between all them gadgets..


so i should go for a router with a switch??
ok thanks guys... i'll start searching for sum prices ...


you guys think it would be worth me going for a wireless option??? i have like two satellite tv's im using in my house.. would that affect the performance of my wireless network??

or should i just go with basic cables???

[fyxxer32]

Myself, I used network cables . But in my house it wasn't too difficult to run them. If it is a big pain to run the network cable you might consider spending the extra$$ and going wireless. I don't think your sattelite stuff will matter. BUT there is a security consideration to think about. See the practicallynetworked site and look for security.

[Nighthawk]

I definitely recommend a router with a switch, as it'll reduce the number of wires needed.

I personally far prefer physical wires. They're far more secure and go faster.

[captainjrl]

I have never heard of satellite interfering, but cordless phones and even microwaves can. As stated by earlier people, wires, if they are not a pain to run, are the way to go. Not that wireles is bad (the lab I run at the school I teach at has them) but there are more downsides to them than wired networks.

[buddhafest]

ok guys.. thanks for all the input... i'll go for wires.. cuz yeah really its not that much truble for me ot set up...

and cheaper is always a plus for me....


once again Thanks for all the advice

[naftolitech]

hi
i have a Verzion wireless fiber obtic modem in one room and in the next room i have 2 computers and a printer.
when i set it up wireless i get a bad or weak signal.
so this is what i would like to do:
connect the 2 computers and printer to a wired switch and connect that wireless to the modem
will this work?????