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Hub or switch? 3

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SteveHigh

Technical User
Jan 17, 2007
158
GB
Hello

Can I ask what is the difference between a hub and a switch, and what would be used to directly connect to the Internet via a fixed link? A router, hub, bridge, or switch?

Thank you.

Steve
 
Well first off the differences, well, that depends on how technical you want to get really. But, I guess I could type it all out when there are a dozen web pages that explain it.

Here is a good one that I think easily explains the differences

You would need a router to connect more than one PC to the internet. Most home routers (Linksys, Netgear etc) have a built in switch but, for example, I have a home built Linux router connected to an 8 port switch. So the short answer to your second question is, a router.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!
 
The simple answers:

Router - Takes one connection (such as an internet connection) and "sorts" the data out to different computers or devices.

Hub - is essentially a "splitter". All data goes to all ports.

Switch - is a "smart" hub. It directs traffic, like "This data is going to the router, but this data is going to the printer" and doesn't "clog up" the network with all the data (like a hub)

Bridge - Does what it sounds like. Takes two networks and connects them together. This can be done wirelessly, or over a LAN. Routers can be used as bridges.



Just my 2¢
-Cole's Law: Shredded cabbage

--Greg
 
Hub - speed of hub is shared among the connections on hub.
Switch - each connection has rated speed of switch. Switch may have management features to give fine control over packets through a connection.

Folks often call anything that has a bunch of RJ45 wire plugged in a hub regardless of it actually is.

DSL/CABLE/T1=====>Router/Firewall=====>Switch(S)=====>PC's
 
Many thanks to you all for your time and explanations - Arizona gets a star for the useful link.

Best regards

Steve
 
Can I ask what is the difference between a hub and a switch, and what would be used to directly connect to the Internet via a fixed link?
Hmmm.... kinda sounds like an assignment question!

which would be not OK, on the FORUM, but since all gave you excellent answers, I will not ponder further...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
Looking over all of the questions that he's posed he doesn't appear to be a student.

Bit of advice for you Steve...you may want to consider answering some others questions...give back a little for all that you've been taking from this site.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.
 
gbaughma - your description was helpful (and you get a star from me). So in a topology that has an Internet connection coming in to a router and three PCs RJ45s going in to that router, what else would I need to want to do (or connect) that would make adding a switch beneficial (or necessary)?
 
If you're talking something like a home router which has multiple ports on it, that is probably a built-in switch as well, and there is nothing else you would need to use.

However, if you're talking something like a T1 line, where you have a CSU/DSU going to a WIC card on a Cisco router that has one network port out (RJ-45), then you would take that RJ-45 out to a port on a switch, and plug your other PC's into there.



Just my 2¢
-Cole's Law: Shredded cabbage

--Greg
 
A home router - so I shouldn't have need for a switch. Thanks for the information.
 
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