Use a Hub or Router 1

[StumblingThrough]

I have a home network consisting of a Westell DSL modem (which is also a 1-port router), connected to a Lynksys 4-Port Hub, which feeds 4 PC's. Would I gain any effeciency (network speed) by replacing the Linksys Hub with a Linksys Router (and disabling the router portion of the Westell DSL modem)? And if so, how much and why?

 

[bcastner]

Probably not, although the Linksys likely has more RAM for store and forward, and a more specialized processor.

I made the switch because port forwarding was so difficult through the Westell, and needed H.232 uPnP.

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcastner: You've been helpful again! I really didn't want to spend the extra cash anyway.

Someone once told me that a hub sends all incoming packets to all outbound ports, and that a router only sends the right traffic to the right computer, and that the latter method (used by a router) was more effecient and MUCH faster.

 

[bcastner]

Well, for a true hub that is true.
But from your description my guess was you have a 4-port switch.

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcaster: Not sure what you mean by a "true hub", but right on the Linksys device is says it's a "Hub". Does this mean I need to switch to a "switch" or "router"?

 

[bcastner]

Does this "hub" support a 100 mbs connection?
Does it look like this:

http://hardwarecentral.dealtime.com/xPF-Linksys_Instant_Ethernet_Workgroup_EW5HUB

The reason I ask was that Linksys sold a bundled device with network adapters as a starter kit, and it was labelled a "Network Hub" but was in fact a 10/100 switch. They also sold (perhaps still do) a true hub capable of 10 mbs only, and it is the one I linked to a picture above.

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcaster: Does NOT look anything like that. It's an "Etherfast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Hub", Model EFAH05W. I originally stated it was a 4-Port hub since it only has ports for 4 PC's (not sure what the other port is for).

 

[bcastner]

That is the bundled switch.
You are fine.

 

[StumblingThrough]

I went ahead and called Linksys, and a confused person on the phone stated that it does not act like a switch, but like a true hub, and routes all incoming traffic to every outbound port. I say confused, because I got the impression she was basically guessing. Here is the link to the user guide.

ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pdf/efah05_08_16v2ug.pdf

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcastner: I just got off an on-line chat with a tech at Linksys, and he confirmed that she guessed correctly when stating it acted like a true hub, but the speed difference between a unswitched hub and a switch is negligable (on a home network with 4 PC's). Thanks again!