Router suggestions 4 home computers and 1 server/ HELP appreciated!

[tophman]

I have a Road Runner Cable Modem hooked up to a Stratitec 5 Port 10Base T Hub. Currently I have 4 computers with internet access. I want to set up a Server (possibly using Apache) and need an additional line for the server. Should I buy a new Router with additional Ports or add a Switch to add additional ports to the existing Stratitec (Hub) that I am currently using? I have been given conflicting info on Router VS Switch use. A CC salesman told me they do the same thing, just hook it up to the cable modem and plug in the Ethernet cables.
ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!!
I am a complete noob at this.....as you probably can tell. But, you have to start someplace.
Thanks!

 

[amdskip]

You need some sort of router so that way you will have a basic firewall to keep the bad guys out. Does your ISP give you all 4 IP's right now because that seems sorta strange. Are you sure it's not a router that you are using right now? A router with a switch hooked up to it for more ports will work great.

 

[Fiveohhh]

Most consumer routers come with a 4 port switch built in. A switch by itself will not do you much good unless your isp gives you more than 1 IP. I'll agree with amdskip and suggest a router with a switch to add any more pc's you may wish to in the future.

 

[tophman]

Ok, First of all I thought I had a 4 port router until I double checked it and it said Stratitec 5 Port 10 Base T Hub. Stratitec link
My first thought was I needed another router because all the ports were filled on the Stratitec.
I did a search and found routers with 7 and 8 ports for around 80 bucks or so.
Can I hook my future server and my other four computers up to ONE new Router? D-Link
D-Link

I was told that because my ISP is dynamic, I had to go cable modem to the hub, then my server should be plugged directly to the hub, then plug the new router to the hub and my four existing pc's plug into the new router.
How does a "switch" come into the picture? Does it merely add additional ports by using one plug of a router?
My ISP is supposed to be dynamic but my IP address # seems to stay the same.

Or can I just buy a switch and it should just plug in to my existing hub/possible Router Stratitec.
My ISP provider is Time Warner Road Runner and it is supposed to have up to 5 accounts under one master.
I am thinking of getting my server up and running under my existing RR account and then upgrading if and when the demands increase to the point that I need a business account from them instead of a personal account.

I see that both of you have suggested a router with a switch. If I buy a router with 8 ports vs a 4 port router with a 4 port switch how is one better than the other?
I tried to google but couldn't find something showing how one is better than the other. ( or at least in a way I could comprehend )

Thanks Very much for your help so far!

 

[amdskip]

Even though you have the same IP most of the time, it is still a dynamic account. You need to go from the modem, then to the router, then to a hub if necessary. Don't waste your money on a router with more than 4 ports. It will not operate any better or anything like that. A 4 port router is a router with a 4 port switch attached to it.

You need to have everything behind the router because it will be the firewall you need to help keep the bads guys out of your stuff.

 

[Fiveohhh]

I'd just buy a switch and add it to your network, unless ya want to pick up a router with more options than your current one. Make sure your current one can do port forwarding since you will need that to run a server behind it. All a switch does is give you more ports. If you want to setup your own server I'd highly suggest learning a lot more about networking, otherwise your just asking for a headache