Hub, switch, or router?

[xpedient]

What are the differences, advantages, or disadvantages of these three (if any)? I am planning to build an internet shop that composes of less than 10 pcs, and planning to add more if situations are favorable. Please help me, thanks!!!

 

[Nitestick]

a hub is the most basic network device, it pretty much puts all data sent into it back out on all the ports.

a switch is smarter, it can do some more advanced things like directly connecting two ports that are talking to each other and "auto-sensing" (a combination of crossover and patch cables can be used".

a router is the smartest of all. it can actually modify and direct the data that comes into it as well as a number of other things.

for your purposes perhaps a 16 port switch would do the job or if by less than 10 you actually mean 8 or less i would pick an 8 port switch. it also depends on whether you require an internet connection

 

[xpedient]

thanks, i think ill use the switch...
this is a simple explanation of what I had imagined it would be when I have the network now... please correct me if i am wrong.

1. internet to switch
2. switch to pcs
3. pcs can do internet and online gaming at the same time

is this "mini-diagram" correct?

 

[Nitestick]

sounds good enough if you use a DSL/ADSL modem with an ethernet port on it then using a short patch cable you can connect it to the switch. all the pc's connected to the switch *should* be able to access each other and the internet

 

[xpedient]

what do i need the modem for? i thought that by having a switch, "everyone" can see each other now? can you explain to me sir nitestick? and thanks...

 

[superdave1984]

how are you connected to the internet? You will have trouble connecting all of them to the internet with just a switch. a router connected to the internet then a switch between the router and the pc's is what you need.

 

[xpedient]

oh i see... so that means...

1. internet to router
2. router to switch
3. switch to pcs
4. pcs can now surf and then play online games

is it like this? thanks

 

[superdave1984]

Yes. You may want to go with static IP addresses for LAN gaming and such. I do that at my house and it just seems to work better.

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

sounds good enough if you use a DSL/ADSL modem with an ethernet port on it then using a short patch cable you can connect it to the switch. all the pc's connected to the switch *should* be able to access each other and the internet

Most "Modem's" ISP's give out do not have built in routing features and theirfor this likely won't work.

+ Any of the modem / router combo's that ISP's actually give out are too weak for handling 10 PC's.

 

[Ethereal_Dragon]

If you are planning on only getting one SINGLE IP Address from an ISP, then you will need a router, so that it can do NAT. If you just hook the internet to the switch, and then connect the PC's to the switch, you will get 1 PC that works, and 9 that won't connect... If you want to have them connect in that fashion, you will have to tell your ISP that you need X (number of computers) IP addresses.... for such a small number, you would be best off with a single IP address, and doing NAT, so that you don't have to shell out extra for the additional IP addresses.

If you plan on doing gaming on this network, I would advise AGAINST getting a hub. (actually, you probably won't be able to easily locate one, as they are VERY close in price to switches, and switches are far superior.).

Good luck in your venture.