Router or Hub?

[jmoore2001]

Ok I have 4 computers (2 with windows XP, 1 with win2000 and one running Red Hat 7.3) and a cable modem. I know hubs are much more cheaper than routers, so could anyone explain what the differences are? I have experiences with routers, but just not with hubs. Can I still connect all four computers to the internet with the hub just like a router?

Also if anyone has time, please read this thread.
http://www.techimo.com/forum/t73777.html

Thanks for any replies

[vass0922]

no they are completely different

hubs will allow you to connect several PC's together but ALL on the same network!
Routers allows you to connect two different networks

(ie internal 192.168.1.x and external 68.23.42.x or whatever)

You will either need a router or a hub with one PC acting as the proxy server for it to work correctly.

[M_Six]

You'll want a router if you want to share the internet connection. The router will give you a firewall and allow you to share one real-world IP address. I'm pretty sure the low-end Linksys routers are under $50.

[John Prophet]

You definitely need a router, a hub wont work.

A router takes the one IP address from the ISP and then the router hands out IP addresses to each of your comps. Most routers have default settings that pretty much work right out of the box.

You set each comp to "obtain an IP address automatically".

Most routers nowadays have at least 4 outputs (basically that means it has a built in 4 port switch...a switch is just a smarter version of a hub).

If you want to add more computers later you can just add a switch or a hub after the router.

When you get the router, turn off the cable modem (unplug the power) for about 2 minutes..then turn the modem on and let it do its thing until all its lights are lit...THEN hook the router up and turn it on etc.

JP

[jmoore2001]

Thanks guys.

Also how do you do what Vass said?

"You will either need a router or a hub with one PC acting as the proxy server for it to work correctly."

Willl this work and how do I go about doing it?

[JPMiller]

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($42 with shipping)
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[Toddly]

I might recommend that you look into the D-Link 704 router with a print server. Then they all can print off one printer without a specific computer running. This has worked great for me and was easy to install.

To use software internet connection sharing (as opposed to hardware connection sharing like a router) you need a working network, an internet connection on one of the PC's on the network, and some software that will allow you to share the connection.

This site explains it.

Cheers
Mick