Can you use a router as a hub? (coyote linux related)

[Snipa]

Kooky question I need help with (little long but need help)
Okay, I am really bored right now and I figured I would setup my own router with an old pentium 233 system I have laying around.

I'm going to use coyote linux to run the system.


I don't currently have a hub.

I have an SMC 4/port router that I am currently using for my network but since I am bored and want more control over my routing (and to learn something) I'm going to do the "coyote linux" route.

Now here is my question:

I know I plug my cable modem into the designated "inbound" NIC.
And then normally you would plug the "outbound" NIC to the hub.

Well will this work if I plug it into the router? In essence I am asking if the router will just act as a switch or hub in this scenario or will it jack stuff up?

The reason I ask is I don't really want to go out and buy a hub since I am just doing this as a learning/boredom experiment.

Thanks

 

[Derango]

The router has a 4 port switch built in. The only thing it has extra that makes it a router is the WAN port, that and some extra intelligence/mangablilty. It will be fine.

 

[ElFenix]

routers and hubs do completely different things. thats why there is a switched hub built into the same box as your router. if you can turn off routing functions i suggest you do, otherwise you might have to play with it as two routers won't necessarily play nice with each other.

 

[QTPie]

sure. the hub is basically a bridge. your router can do it. but remember that you can't connect to other network when you use it as a hub (while a router can by using WAN port)

 

[QTPie]

sure. the hub is basically a bridge. your router should have the switch function built-in (switch is a smart bridge). but remember that you can't connect to other network when you use it as a hub (while a router can by using WAN port)