What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?

Read the article that everyone's commenting on.
Subscribe to the RSS Feed for comments on this article.

I would get a router.

I want to know if I can go Modem->>Switch-->Router

I am having some IP address trouble with the computer I have so I am going to plug that into the switch, along with the router. I connect fine on the PC but I cannot connect using the Router.

It can work, but normally you'd connect modem->router, and then only if needed would you add a switch connected to the router.

i recently had three computers connected to the network it looked something like this
NTL broadband-usb-[PC1]--rj45--[PC2]--rj45-[PC3}
Note pc 2 had two network cards installed.

now the 2nd pc is upstairs and we have now got two ps2 consoles with "network adaptors" istalled and i have purchesd a hub... what do i do i need to buy to connect the all together?? do u recomend i buy a dsl/cable router?? thanks Josh

Broadband router is probably the easiest in the long run, yes. This article may also help: http://ask-leo.com/how_should_i_set_up_my_home_network.html

I now have cable DSL with a hub and two addresses one for each computer. I now have a third computer with wifi. Would it be better to get a router with wifi and direct all traffic thru that and get rid of the second address.( call me cheap but I would save a few bucks here)
Thanks

vibert: yep, that's the approach I would take :-).

Leo, I have two computers linked by a wired(RJ45) switch and an ethernet interface ADSL modem/router connected to the switch with a crossover cable. I just got a laptop and want it connected wireless. Keep in mind I want to share all the files on all the computers, share a printer connected via USB to one of the desktops, and share the broadband internet connection. What should I get, or do I need all new stuff? Items I have:Switch,2 Desktop Computers (XP), 1 Laptop Computer(XP), Printer with USB connection, and an ADSL modem/Router(Ethernet Interface)

You've got a couple of options...

1) get a wireless access point, and plug it into your switch (assuming it currently has unused connections).

2) replace the switch with a router that includes a wireless access point.

Personally, I vote for #2 as being easier to manage in the long run, and probably cheaper anyway.

Hi, Im trying to decide what to use a hub,switch or router. I have one computer hooked up to a cable modem and I also have another computer I want to hook up to the net. Im just wondering which one whould be the best, I whould have 2 ips and Im worried about how the download speeds will be affected sharing the connection. Could you help me decide which whould be better to use? Thanks

To post a comment on "What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?", please return to that article's main page.