Router, Switch, Hub?

[Apotherix]

Sorry, I'm a newbie at networking, but what is the difference? All I wan't to do is have LAN parties with my friends, so which shoul I get? And where is the best place to get a cheap one?

 

[amdskip]

You would want a switch for this. Router is used for routing when you only have one ip address using cable internet, etc. A switch and a hub are similar but a switch is faster basically.

 

[rw120555]

Yes, you want a switch. For more detail, see

Differences Between an Ethernet Hub or Switch and a Broadband Router.

 

[Smilin]

A router connects two networks like your lan and the internet.

Switches and hubs just connect various PC's on a LAN. Switches (for complicated reasons) are a bit better at this that hubs - but the benifits only really appear on large LANs.

For you guys to connect to each other you'll only need a hub.

Now another option is to get one of those cable/dsl routers at the store. Some of them have built switches which would satisfy your need for a hub plus it will let you guys all connect to the internet as well. This does take a little bit of configuration. You may be able to stumble through it using the instructions but if you have "that guru friend" it would help.

 

[JackMDS]

AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

 

[eklass]

a hub is cheaper and will work, but you'll be happier with a switch. here's the math:
since a hub broadcasts to all ports, if user1 (on port1, etc) pulls some 500MB file off of user2 (on port2) every other port is going to be flooded by these packets not intended for them... so user3 and user4's game of BF1942 is going to utterly die and disconnect
with a switch, user1 can pull from user2 and user3 and user4 will have no idea what is going on. if you can garuntee no one will be copying files, a hub will be fine, but let's face it, any one who has been to a lan party knows that's just not the case, "hey stop steal my pr0n!"

 

[JackMDS]

A switch is more efficient than a Hub.

It depends on the number of ports that you would like to use if you are going to use less than 10 computers it does not matter, get the cheaper you can find. Above 10 computers you should go with a Switch.

Search pricewatch.com you will find an inexpensive Switch/Hub (just skip the USB, they are called Hub too, had nothing to do with Network).

 

[pecel]

HELP !!!

I just bought a switch from Belkin.
I try to plug my internet connection, first it works just fine, after that I won't work 🙁
Just die.
Already try belkin and netgear before, same result.
Do I have to install the software that come from the manufacture if I want to use the switch?

The connection work just fine if I use the cheap hub from the school. (I live in dorm using Edu connection)

Thanks.