Hub vs Router

[BlancoNino]

Okay, so I've decided to switch back to cables over wireless. I ran the cables correctly and connected both computers into a hub I used to use for internet connection sharing (and of course the hub was connected to the Cable modem). When I did this, only the upstairs computer would get internet connectivity. My computer wouldn't say anything like network cables were unplugged or limited or no connectivity, but I had no internet.

So after a while of troubleshooting, power cycling...you name it, I decided to hook back the wireless router and run the cables into it. Both computer worked fine...same settings...same everything. Is this because hubs don't work well in place of a router?

Another question...Is there any way to turn the transmitting off the router so that it's like just a plain non-wireless router?

 

[Nocturnal]

A hub is not a router. A router actually splits the connection whereas the hub doesn't do that. You'd need a regular router with built in switch from Linksys or Netgear if you wanted to share your connection. You could then dasiy chain your hub to your router for more added ports.

 

[BlancoNino]

Okay, but is it not a good idea to go...

Broadband modem > Hub > 2 Computers?

That's what I'm asking. I'm only networking two computers so I obviously don't even need the 4 ports that either my router OR my hub supples...just two. I'm asking if not using a router and JUST using a hub could screw up connecting two computers to the broadband modem?

 

[bluestrobe]

Each computer will need a different IP address from your ISP. A router would use the IP from the ISP and then create a new network at your home with its own line of IP addresses. A router would be a more of a secure option rather than having to lock down both computers to the internet.

 

[nweaver]

if you have 2 IP's from your ISP, you could do that, but you are MUCH better off going Modem->Router->Hub (if you need the extra ports) and most wireless routers have the option to turn off the radio.

 

[qaa541]

Cable modems download a config file each time they boot up. Here, your cable company will restrict the number of your CPE devices (Customer Premise Equipment, e.g. your computers) down to most likely 1. When you ask (order) more IP addresses, they change that config file to allow more CPEs.

What you need is a router to go Cable Modem - router - your two PCs. This way the cable modem only sees one device connected to it and lets you have access while you share the connection with your router.

 

[akugami]

A lot of newer cable & dsl modems also have an integrated router (usually 4 port) so if you're renting your cable or dsl modem, try contacting your service provider and see if you can get an upgrade.

 

[0roo0roo]

yup a hub is not a router, a hub is as dumb as it gets. all the lines share the same bandwidth. think usb hub.. hubs were used for home networks or whatever in the early days when price made a difference. to share the net with a hub you'd actually have to setup the pc to be the router with the internet or modem hooked up to the pc. a switch was the next step as each port wasn't sharing bandwidth with all the others. all routers have switches built in now, even the cheapest ones.

google it, or go to howstuffworks.com or ezlan.net

 

[BlancoNino]

Update!

Thanks for all the information guys, but I think I need to ditch this router I've got. Like I mentioned above, I switched from using my WGR614 Netgear wireless router to connect wireless with my computer, and just ran a cable through the floor and plugged it in. So now both computers are wired into the router. I turned off the broadcasting, updated the firmware...everything...but this router is crap. It's STILL randomly disconnecting (although not as often) a couple of times a day and must be power cycled. If you go to Netgear's user forums, you will see that I am not the only one having a problem. Plus everything is hooked up the exact same as when it was when I lived at my friends house several blocks away with the same cable internet connection, provider, modem, and setup (except he had an older D-link wired router) and it never needed to be power cycled.

I bought an older D-link wired router off ebay last night and hopefully that works well. I'm really upset at the quality of netgear...their older stuff worked so well.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: BlancoNino
Okay, but is it not a good idea to go...

Broadband modem > Hub > 2 Computers?

That's what I'm asking. I'm only networking two computers so I obviously don't even need the 4 ports that either my router OR my hub supples...just two. I'm asking if not using a router and JUST using a hub could screw up connecting two computers to the broadband modem?

Its fine if the modem has built in DHCP and NAT. My Direcway modem does. Putting in a router is unnecessary for me and I just connect my two comps with a 5 port Linksys switch.

 

[0roo0roo]

think i had the WGR614 once.. it was a hotdeal for less than 20 bucks. it sucked arse and i had to return it. i use a linksys gs now.