Hub vs Router

[amd64crazy07]

Is there really a difference??? From the looks of it they seem to work the same way...am i wrong?:confused:

[ShadowPho]

Second link from google
A router offers some advantages that a hub doesn't. It will act as a server meaning you don't need a PC on the network to act as the server wasting its recourses. It will act as a DHCP server adding security and ease of setup for the clients. To add a client all you need to do is install a NIC and plug in the CAT 5 cable and connect to the internet the router will assign it an IP address subnet mask and DNS server. Will also act a hardware firewall protecting your network from the internet. You can use the PCs one at a time without the need to have a server PC running(unless you need files from another PC)all PCs on the network are clients the router is the server. Using a router you need only one NIC per PC, using a hub depending on your setup you need two NICs in the server PC. The only disadvantage I have found is a router needs configured and a hub doesn't. With the proper software(Sybergen Sygate) a hub can function the same as a router offering a DHCP server NATS gateway firewall and a virtual NIC for the hub. The only draw back is you need a PC acting as server and host for the virtual NIC. The Linksys kit comes with Sybergen Sygate With 5 client licence 5 port hub 2 10/100 NICs 2 15ft CAT 5 patch cables. I couldn't get mine to work as explained above. I could only get it to work with 2 NICs in the server. You might have better luck. I still have it but bought a Linksys cable/DSL router. I like it a lot better. Once you get the router setup the rest is easy.
A router takes traffic that comes in one port and sends it only to the port that holds the designation computer. A Hub on the other hand will take traffic that comes in one port and send it out to every other port regardless of whether the designation computer is on that port or not. (hubs are dumb, routers are smart is one way to think of it)

For a home network you could use ether one really. A router is often used by home users when they want extra security or to share one external IP address with many internal computers. A hub offers no security and since it has no IP address can't be used for "IP sharing".

[amd64crazy07]

sweet reading..the google reading (as always) seemed to be the decision maker..

Screw the Hub..
Ill get the Router lol

Thanks!
~Brandon~

[myarrowsaim]

a router and a hub are totally different devices.

You may be curious about learning the difference between a hub and a switch.

As well, the difference between a real router and what you probably think is a router.

[tyler_bishop]

LOL
A hub is a mulitport repeater, a switch is a multi port bridge
Hub = slow and inefficient - Switch = efficient and fast.

A router controlls packet forwarding and makes decisions rather the packet belongs in that network. If you have internet you should have a router then you can run several switches off that depending how many pcs you have. Typically routers have an 4 port switch built in.