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

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If you are getting two IP addresses from your ISP, then a switch or hub will do just fine (make sure your machines are firewalled some other way, then, though.)

But in general I recommend a Router. I have 5 IPs assigned to me, and I use only one - I have a router installed and all works well, AND I get a firewall. Your broadband connection's speed will be the limitting factor, not the hub, switch or router.

hi iam getting a DSL connection in my home and i need to make a network of three computers which is better for me a switch or a router

Router. This article has more: http://ask-leo.com/how_should_i_set_up_my_home_network.html

Hello Leo..

Have read article, but afraid I am a bit confused still. I have a LAN between Laptop and Desktop using straight cat5 cables into a 10/100 ethernet switch. I am about to get broadband and don't seem to be able to get a straight answer from prospective ISP's about the hardware needed. Basically, I want both computers to connect independantly to the internet (eg I don't want to have to have one pc always on for the other to connect) 1 company have said that they supply a modem that is usb, but has a rj45. Can i plug from this into my 5 port switch and make it all work.. in which case, is does the internet become a place on my ethernet LAN, or do I need a router - sorry for the confusion..

Appreciate any help.

Sadly, the answer depends on your ISP, and it sounds like they're not being very clear.

I don't think the USB doohickey will do what you want. What you really want is for them to provide you with a modem that provides you with an RJ-45 ethernet connection.

If they will provide you with multiple IP addresses, then you could just plug that into your switch. Otherwise you'll need to get a router instead.

This article has more info also: http://ask-leo.com/how_should_i_set_up_my_home_network.html

Hi,

I need some help... Just when I think I'm starting to get it, I realize that I'm completely confused!

I just moved into an apartment with a fiber connection and a pare-installed CPS switch (http://www.packetfront.com/cps.hp).

Currently, the CPS will assign separate dynamic IP address to each of my computers. Now, if I understand it right, the CPS doesn't make it possible for me to have an "internal" home network. Or does it?

If not, the idea I have is to connect a simple switch or a router on one of CPS ports and then connect computers to the switch/router. Will that work (and what about the IP addresses then)? Or is there a better solution?

What I'm trying to achieve is simply to be able to share files between computers (file server, work station, media station) and control all three from the work station without any traffic leaving my own network...

Thanks,
Mladen

I have a Linksys broadband router connected to my computer, wireless lap top and playstation2. My connection with the wireless lap top is fine and no longer getting disconnected (I think, due to wireless phones on the same freq.). But, my playstion2 still experiences lag during online gameplay when connected through the router. I don't experience the lag when directly connected to the cable modem. How can I decrease my lag, but still get online with my other computers?
-Ken H.

Typically a standard (straight) ethernet cable with RJ-45 connectors. Can vary, though, and it's possible you need a reversing cable. Also check to make sure that if there's an "uplink" port on either device you're using it properly ("properly" depends on the device and the exact layout of your network).

I have a DI-604 router connected to the internet thru a DSL modem. The question is... can i connect the DI-514 im thinking about buying to a port on the DI-604, and have all computers under the DI-514 appear to be on the same network as the DI-604?

Possibly. The most imporant thing to do is to turn off DHCP on the downstream router (the DI-504 I think in your case) so as to avoid what's called "double natting".

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