Do I buy a switch or hub or router??

[cwleach]

I am new to networking. I want to link up my computers and share an internet connection. SO, what do I need? Isn't there a switch that acts as a router? Give me details of what I need to do to make my network function.

THANKS

[Ankerson]

Go here and print this out first.

http://www.tweak3d.net/articles/network/


What type of internet connection do you have? Cable, DSL, or Dialup?

If you have Cable or DSL get a Linksys Router with a 4 port built in switch.

If not get a Switch, not a hub. Switches are much better than hubs because they don't spread the data over the whole network at the same time. This causes less data collisions.

[Nick CPU]

I would agree that switches are faster but if you are on a budget a cheap 4 port hub will do the trick. If you are hooked up with DSL or Cable you will need a Firewall/ Router in order to provide internet serveices to all the computers on your Hub or switch. YOu can pick up a hub for cheap $30-50 in a lot of stores and a Firewall/Router for no more than $100.

PS. A firewall will protect your network from outside tampering (i.e. Hacking) and the router will link up the DSL or Cable network to your in house network.

P.S.S. the 4 port ROuter/switch is a good way to save money if you know you will not be expanding your network.

[cwleach]

I haven't decided on Cable or DSL yet. Still on dial-up as of now. Upgrade is coming soon.

Don't I need to get the switch/router combo so I get a router, firewall, and switch all in one?? You can share files and printers through a switch, can't you??

I had my eye on that 4-port switch, but wasn't sure about it.

[Ankerson]

Originally posted by cwleach
Don't I need to get the switch/router combo so I get a router, firewall, and switch all in one?? You can share files and printers through a switch, can't you??

I had my eye on that 4-port switch, but wasn't sure about it.


That would be the best option.

[DVNT1]

Originally posted by cwleach
...Don't I need to get the switch/router combo so I get a router, firewall, and switch all in one?? You can share files and printers through a switch, can't you??...You do not need the "all in one" unit but they are normally thought to be better.

I strongly believe the benefits of a switch in most home LANs is overrated. Yes they are better but often not to the extent people claim. It is simply because in most home scenerios the quantity of data passed over the network is relatively low and mostly to the same ports on the switch. Like with Internet usage or most multiplayer games, with only one path on your LAN to the server (local or Internet), the switch will not be of any real benefit since all traffic has to go through the same switched port to get there. The switched port can still only service one computer at a time.

If you have large LAN parties with multiple servers or routinely move large qty. of data between computers while others use the network then a switch will benefit you very well.



So I would base your decision on a buying a router with a hub or with a built in switch based on cost and quality; not because it "has a built in switch".

[pinkey777]

The Hub will do the job.

We have a 16 port hub at work, and all the machines work fine. I have a 24 port switch I use for LAN parties. One day I wanted to see if replacing the 16 port HUB at work with the 24 port switch would speed things up. There was no difference.

However If you are going to have Lan parties and everone is going to exchange all their MP3's and movies with everone while some are still gaming, the switch is the best option. A HUB can get ugly with tons file transfers all at once.