Router vs. Hub

[KKiller]

Can someone explain to me in layman's terms what's the difference btw. routers and hubs?

 

[Utterman]

I find this FAQ really helpful in explaining everything about networking: http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48

Here is the low down: A hub is what connects all of the computers together. A router is just like a hub, but with the added features that allow you to share a internet connection.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: KKiller
Can someone explain to me in layman's terms what's the difference btw. routers and hubs?

KKiller,

A hub or a switch allow machines within a network to communicate with each other.

A router allows different networks to communicate with each other. They become especially important when two disparate networks want to communicate with each other (ie. token ring and ethernet).

I think this is as simple as I can make it.

 

[rw120555]

For good measure, here is a recent discussion of hubs versus switches.

If the reason you are asking is because you want to set up a home network, check out this FAQ, which shows you options using a router or a switch.

I'm hardly an expert on this, but if getting a network started, I think the best way to go is to get a router first and then add a hub or switch for additional machines as needed. RW

 

[Woodie]

As Garet Jax posted above, a router is used for connecting two networks. Hubs and switches are used for connecting computers.

That said, why would you start a network with a router???
You don't. Assuming you want a home network, you start with what is marketed as a dsl or cable "router" (what RW12055 is talking about), which is really a router AND a hub/switch put together. If you're talking a professional network, you start with switch(es) and/or hub(s), and/or router(s).

This clarification because many of us work in the field, so many questions are posed/answered with the assumption that we're talking about a home network.