LAN Party Network Topology

[ucfswimmer]

So I'd like to set something up in the future so that I can throw a LAN party and not need to have anyone bring any extra hardware except for their computer, NIC and maybe some CAT5...so I need to go out and get some stuff to connect everything.


Right now I have a sohoware 4port router (with 1 extra port for inet connection) with a built in firewall (uses NAT...) I'd like to have enough equipment to connect up to 20 users. Should I just go out and get a 4 and 16 port hub...or a 4 and 16 port switch, and if i do this, can i connect the 4port hub/switch and the 16 port hub/switch to the 4 port router and thus have 20 access ports and an internet connection?

and what would be better for a lan party...a hub or a switch?

thanks all

~jeff~

[Soyo Boy]

a hub by a longshot, its much more responsive, believe me, i took a course in cisco, and they stressed this a lot.

[engjohn]

A switch is the way to go. And yes you can connect the 16 port switch to the router, and the 4 port switch to the 16port switch. I would see about getting a 24 port switch, you will have extra ports, and only one switch to uplink to the router....

A HUB will SHARE all available bandwidth across all ports.. (in theroy 100Mbs/20ports = 5Mbs per port.) A hub can only run Half Duplex...

A switch gives all ports DEDICATED 100Mbs bandwidth. A Switch can be run in FULL Duplex which means 100Mbs Up and Down at the same time... Also with a switch, there is a LOT less traffic on the network because it does not broadcast all packets to all ports like a hub.

A hub is cheaper, has less available bandwidth to each user, has more collisions, and will make the Network run slower than a switch.

A Switch is a little more expensive, gives dedicated bandwidth per port, should have no collisions, and will make the network run faster...

[Bmxpunk86pl]

Yea i would go with a switch cuz it knows when it recieves a packet exactly where to send it too.

[trey_w]

don't go with the hub

i don't know which cisco class your taking but recommending a hub in this situation is not good

go with the switch

[Crash893]

switch definetly

if you have trouble finding a 20+ switch look up foundry networks i know they make bombastic switchs ( we used to use only there products at the aol data centers i know aol sucks but there networks is amazeing)

i dont know how much they cost exactly but give it a look

[xCarne_Asada]

they're right switchs are way better.