Hub or Router or both?

[Rick67]

Not really sure what the pros and cons are. Could someone fill me in please? Is there a reason most people on this board seem to be going the router path? Microsoft has an example of a setup with just a router and another with a hub and router. Why would I go with both?

 

[Rick67]

Also, will I have any problems playing multiplayer online games through a router? Thanks,

 

[dnoyeb]

It depends on what you need. They do to totally different things. Its not a choice between a hub vs a router because they 2 dont compete with each other.

List your needs.

 

[JackMDS]

Cable/DSL Routers, are combo units. They include Internet interface,
i.e. a WAN connection with routing capacity, and a firewall.

The other part of a "classical" combo is a DHCP (automatic IP assignment), and 4 port switch (Switch is a smart Hub).

The 4 port switch can be used by it self regardless of Internet connection, to Network 2 to 4 computers.

Each computer needs a port. One port accommodates one computer or can be connected to an additional Hub/Switch.

If you plan to have few computers, sharing the Internet, and sitting on the same Network, you should buy Cable/DSL Router with 4 ports.

And don?t forget to read the content of the following links:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.
anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48">Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?</a>

Table comparing Routers:

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers.

Link of Courtesy of: TallGeese

 

[Rick67]

Thanks guys!