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What's the difference between a router and switch?

Should have GONE 😉

Switches and hubs connect nodes within the same network, while routers route traffic between networks.
 
Okay, I am pretty much a beginner to computers. But As I was reading the FAQ from the main site, this is what I figure:

Switches/Hubs: Transfer data between multiple PCs (called a network)

Router: The internet is considered another network, and the only way to connect two or more networks together is by using a router.

Therefore, I cannot share the internet between my 3 PC's with purchasing a router.... am I correct?
 
Not really. Using a router, you can share the internet connection among the 3 PCs you have. That's the main purpose of having an entry-level router (to share the internet connection w/ how many PCs you have in your house). You can basically do the same w/ either a hub or a switch. But routers are dirt cheap these days and it's much easier to configure. If you're interested in sharing your internet connection w/ multiple PCs in your house, just grab a router, connect the cables & basically you're done. If you have a laptop, you can get a wireless router so that you can roam around the house & have full internet access. For home internet sharing, hubs or switches have become obsolete.
 
Well, I wanted to get a switch because it is much cheaper. I am not going to make it wireless either way. But I am not understanding the difference between the two still. At least, what are the advantages/disadvantages?
 
With a router, you can share the internet without having the host computer turned on all the time. When using a switch, you have to dedicate one machine as the host (physically connected to the internet) and the host machine connects to a switch, and the client machines share the internet coming from the host machine to the switch. When using a router, the router connects to the internet, and all PCs are clients. Therefore, you only have to power on the router to use the internet by any client.

Check the hot deals forum here. You can get a cheap router for $5~$10 after rebate/coupons.

Free after $20 Rebate
 
Using Doh!'s method, you make one PC your router. Same thing, only different physical result.

Again: Routers interface between networks. They do forward traffic from/to several computers on either side. The "router" boxes you usually buy integrate the router function with a switch unit that lets you connect multiple PCs to form your local network. Nodes on this local network can then see each other, and also use the router to send and receive data from elsewhere.
 
From a simple consumer standpoint, if you connect your switch or hub directly to cable/ADSL modem each PC will request their own IP address. If you use a router, all those machines share 1 IP address (on most models).

Most ISPs only give 1 or 2 IPs and some charge for the extra IPs without even requiring you to phone in.

But from a more technical standpoint, what Peter is saying is correct.
 
You need a router. Don't get a switch.

(Technically, a "router" you see in a store is actually a router+switch not just a router.)
 
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