Router, Switch, and Hub Questions

[Emperor Jashugan]

Here is what I think is right...
Hub: passive device. Information requested by one computer is sent to all the computers.
Switch (router?): active device. Information requested by one computer is only sent to that computer.

Large networks NEED switches (routers?) because of increased security and less network traffics.

My questions are these:
1) Am I right about the difference between hubs and switches (routers)?
2) Is the switch the same thing as a router?
3) What should I look for in a switch? Why does a 3Com superstack cost $1000 and a 3Com office connect cost $300???? Aren't they both switches?

Thanks.

 

[Emperor Jashugan]

.... ooops forgot to subscribe ......

 

[Insomnium]

Hub = retransmits all data to every computer connected to it. Active means they are being juiced and retransmitting data, so most hubs are active. You can have passive hubs that act as Y-Splitters.
Switch = forwards data to one computer on the segment according to MAC addresses which are hardcoded onto the NIC itself.
Routers = connect subnetworks together and forward packets by looking at IP addresses. They do reduce traffic and can act as firewalls.

Those are just really brief descriptions of the devices.

Some switches cost a ton more because they offer more ports and contain various other features.

 

[Emperor Jashugan]

Thanks Insomnium, although I'm still a bit confused about the difference between the router and the switch. Do you know of any good FAQs or resources on the the topic??

Thanks again.

 

[Insomnium]

Hmm, don't know any Net faq's. I'm a CCNA student so i have access to the online curriculum which has loads of good stuff. You can try to pick up a CCNA book - it should give you a good overview of computer networking. I can recommend one if you PM me. I don't have the book on me now but i can tell you what it is tomorrow.

Other than that try the Tech Encyclopedia. Just type in router or switch in the middle there and you'll get pretty good answers.