I`m dumb- what`s the difference between a hub, and a cable/dsl router?

[Judoman]

I just got hooked up to cable, and the tech who did the installation recommended a cable router to network the rest of the PC`s in my house- I have a hub that I had planned to use, but am unsure after speaking to the tech. Some help please?

 

[Russ]

The difference is the hub won't work unless you want to install some form of proxy software enabling you to share the single IP among the systems.

The router is the easiest, simplest way to go. Unless you're flat, get one.

Russ, NCNE

 

[JackMDS]

Don?t confuse ignorance, with been dumb, it is not the same.

Read This:

The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101).

And This:

Hub, Switch, Router, DHCP, LAN, WAN, NAT, etc

 

[Paulson]

Basically the tech was saying that you want a router so you can easily use all of your computers with the connection.

All a hub does is connect the computers together. You could use a router and hook it up to your hub, and then allow all computers on the hub to have access.

The router gives out "private" IP's automatically if you want, or you can assign them.

I really think a router is a much better way to go, rather than software sharing connections...

If I am not clear, just ask and I'll try to make it more simple..

 

[Judoman]

Thanks guys- Your replies are greatly appreciated. That hub will be for sale, with the proceeds going toward the router!

 

[Paulson]

Well, you can just buy a 1 port router (it has 2 actually, one for the hub, one for the internet connection) and just use the hub with the router, that way it wont be too expensive...

 

[TeMpT]

Judoman,

Well, don't chuck or sell the hub yet. You may be able to use it if you plan on having more than one system behind the router. If you have more than 1 machine you want to hook up to the router you would want:

Internet -> Router -> Hub ----->Machine1, Machine2, Machine3

Unless, of course, if your router has enuff ports to support all your machines.

 

[Judoman]

Wow, so many options! I have a lot to learn- thanks guys.