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Lasereth · 11-21-2004, 07:12 AM

While Mr. Mephisto's guide is extremely useful, it's hard to understand for folks who don't even know what each component does. So here's my extremely simple, way-too-layman's definitions:

A 4-port hub can be used to connect PC's together through a decent connection. A switch can be used to do the same thing but is simply faster than a hub for various reasons that Mr. Mephisto explained. So basically, a hub and a switch are sort of the same thing with a switch allowing much faster connections.

A router can be attached to a hub or switch. Some routers have built in 4-port switches which is really useful. What does a router do? It simply allows an ethernet Internet connection to be shared across a network to multiple computers. If you have dial-up, a router isn't necessary (you can share dial-up Internet across a hub to multiple PCs). If you have Cable or DSL, a router is needed. Without a router, only one computer on a hub or switch network can use the broadband Internet connection without paying extra. If you buy a router and connect it to your network, multiple computers on the network can share the broadband Internet connection by means of DHCP and other neat acronyms.

In summary: a hub is a device that allows computers to connect to each other on a network. A switch does the same thing only faster due to various technological upgrades. A router can be used to allow a broadband Internet connection to be shared across a switch or hub network.

I know this is a simple explanation but I don't think further explanation is needed for someone who just wants to know what each device is.

-Lasereth

11-21-2004, 07:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	While Mr. Mephisto's guide is extremely useful, it's hard to understand for folks who don't even know what each component does. So here's my extremely simple, way-too-layman's definitions: A 4-port hub can be used to connect PC's together through a decent connection. A switch can be used to do the same thing but is simply faster than a hub for various reasons that Mr. Mephisto explained. So basically, a hub and a switch are sort of the same thing with a switch allowing much faster connections. A router can be attached to a hub or switch. Some routers have built in 4-port switches which is really useful. What does a router do? It simply allows an ethernet Internet connection to be shared across a network to multiple computers. If you have dial-up, a router isn't necessary (you can share dial-up Internet across a hub to multiple PCs). If you have Cable or DSL, a router is needed. Without a router, only one computer on a hub or switch network can use the broadband Internet connection without paying extra. If you buy a router and connect it to your network, multiple computers on the network can share the broadband Internet connection by means of DHCP and other neat acronyms. In summary: a hub is a device that allows computers to connect to each other on a network. A switch does the same thing only faster due to various technological upgrades. A router can be used to allow a broadband Internet connection to be shared across a switch or hub network. I know this is a simple explanation but I don't think further explanation is needed for someone who just wants to know what each device is. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert Last edited by Lasereth; 11-21-2004 at 07:14 AM..