connecting a hub - switch to gateway

Larry · 12-21-2003, 11:33 PM

Configuring my network, need a little help to make sure I'm doing this correct AND to recommend a wireless hub/switch.

I have cable connect coming from the wall (cable - broad band).
Cable goes from wall to cable modem.
Cat 5 goes from cable modem to NIC card (ONE) in the "new" server.
The server has MS small business server 2003 on it.
NIC card (TWO) goes to the hub or switch.

QUESTION: What is the difference between a hub and a switch?
QUESTION: Any brand or type you would recomend. I currently have a linksys 4 port router and like it.

((However, I technically will not need it?? or at least the router part, since I will be using the SBS to act like a gateway AND it will have a far better firewall - security software. Not to mention, supposed to be very easy to install and configure))

anyway, from the hub/switch, I will connect via wireless or wired any other computers I want to be on the "internal" network.

Does all this sound correct?
I hope so, I was reading and I think I understand it correctly

To sum up the network configuration...

public internet
||
cable modem
||
server running SBS 2003
||
hub/switch
||
any other PCs in the local network

I need to buy a wireless hub/switch. Currently have a linksys router, while I can use it, I want a hub to "practice" setting up my network. Incase I screw something up, I don't want my internet connection to be down

thanks

ekÆsine · 12-22-2003, 02:27 AM

im sure some of my info is not correct so hopefully someone will make corrections

==QUESTION: What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

hub is a multiport repeater that broadcasts incoming signal to all devices, not efficient. do not get a hub

switch is smart enough to know where to send packets to their destination, its definately better.

==QUESTION: Any brand or type you would recomend. I currently have a linksys 4 port router and like it.

doesn't really matter i would think since your server will handle most of the security. i have no clue what kind of software firewall and security SMS has. if it is not addequate you may want to get a decent hardware firewall placed between the server and modem.

==I need to buy a wireless hub/switch. Currently have a linksys router, while I can use it, I want a hub to "practice" setting up my network.

you meant wireless access point w/built in switch. most wireless hardware technology is becoming merged into a single piece of hardware, same as what has happened with wired network hardware.

most likely you would be buying a wireless router now-a-days. there is no practice needed, they are set up almost identical as wired.

Larry · 12-23-2003, 09:49 AM

Thanks... this is what I'm going to do... hope it works

public internet
||
cable modem
||
server running SBS 2003
||
Net Gear switch = Linysys wireless router = more PCs on network
||
PCs on local network

((the reason for the linksys router is 1) I already own it 2) it wireless))

CrashAbbott · 12-23-2003, 11:04 AM

HUB
A connection device for networks. Allows multiple segments or computers to connect and share packets of information.

REPEATER
unit that amplifies the signal over a long distance of cable

ROUTER
"smart HUB" - Can be used to connect a LAN to a LAN, a WAN to a WAN, or a LAN to the Internet. (maybe you dont need that HUB)

SWITCH
"Smarter Router" - Does not allow broadcast traffic,, Point to point communication (by IP) A device to segment networks into different subnets. Segmenting the network into different subnets keeps one network from overloading with traffic.

Your setup is sound,, are you going to let the server use DHCP,, or are you assigning IP addresses,, that seems to be the only piece that you left out,,,

cheers.

mikesgroovin · 12-23-2003, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrashAbbott
HUB
A connection device for networks. Allows multiple segments or computers to connect and share packets of information.

REPEATER
unit that amplifies the signal over a long distance of cable

ROUTER
"smart HUB" - Can be used to connect a LAN to a LAN, a WAN to a WAN, or a LAN to the Internet. (maybe you dont need that HUB)

SWITCH
"Smarter Router" - Does not allow broadcast traffic,, Point to point communication (by IP) A device to segment networks into different subnets. Segmenting the network into different subnets keeps one network from overloading with traffic.

Your setup is sound,, are you going to let the server use DHCP,, or are you assigning IP addresses,, that seems to be the only piece that you left out,,,

cheers.

Hmmm....
Well, I'm not so sure where you are looking these up but some are incorrect.

A switch is not a smart router....A switch also does not communite via IP (Some Layer 3 switches can)...but your typical SoHo switch only communicates via a MAC address.

A switch is more of a smart hub and a router really isn't a smart hub....a router is in a totally different category than a hub. A hub works on Layer 1 and a router on Layer 3

A switch will also only create another collision domain, only a router can be used to segment different subnets.

-Mike

Inaris · 12-23-2003, 01:19 PM

Well, Larry your config is almost the mirror of mine, minus the Windows server, I Use a Linux one. Just so you know, the Net Gear hardware is Awesome.
best wishes...

ekÆsine · 12-23-2003, 03:39 PM

hmmm . your config seems a bit off to me, i think the router should be before the swith, that way it provides you with a bit more protection for all devices connected to switch.

actually Larry the best conguration for your hard ware should be this:

Internet
||
modem
||
router
||
server
||
switch<-----connect comps, printers, ect to switch

this way your router can filter some of the crap before it reaches the server.

Quote:

Originally posted by Larry

Net Gear switch = Linysys wireless router = more PCs on network
||
PCs on local network

weiss · 12-24-2003, 01:34 AM

Hi everyone, I am new to this firm, so don't you all ask me a question at once, just kidding!

I think that the setup should be as follow:

Cable coming out of the wall to Cable Modem, to Router, and to either a Hub or a switch. Although, a switch will make better use of the bandwidth then a Hub.

Router= a smart swith
Switch= a smart hub (best use for managing network bandwidth)
Hub = layer 1 device and it is mainly concerned with MAC address.

Hope this helps?

Larry · 12-27-2003, 06:54 PM

Wow... lots of good ideas and thoughts. Although, not sure what I should do. Maybe I (this thread) needs more input

I do see Inaris, has basically the same setup as my proposed one... So aleast I know it works

Here is what I want to do and why:

1. Internet connection (cable ) from wall to cable modem.
2. Cable modem to NIC card on server. The server is going to run MS Small Business Server. This has great security features, firewall software, etc. etc. Have not used it before, but everything is supposed to be very easy to configure, etc. All wizards and stuff like that. EASY! --- so they say

3.) From server (another NIC card) to Net Gear switch. A switch is better than a hub. (not sure all the details, but so I read and been told). The switch has 5 ports. 1 will go to printer, 3 will go to another computers, 1 will go to a Linksys Wireless router.

4. From the router to my one wireless laptop. This is the ONLY reason I need the router connected to the switch.... I already own it and its wireless. I will not use the router for a firewall or security... ONLY the wireless capability.

There are questions about DHCP, etc. Yikes.... I have no idea about that topic. I do know the Linksys router MUST have the DCHP turned off to work in my network config.

As far as the rest of the technical specs.... I'm hoping (crossing my fingers) that the SBS server will take care of ALL of those details. That is one of the reasons I'm installing it as my server.

Anyone have comments on if this will work as planned?
I will be actually doing this configuration this week.... and will let you know how it goes

thanks

ekÆsine · 12-27-2003, 09:23 PM

oops did not see that it was a wireless router, your config is perfect Larry.

12-21-2003, 11:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
Larry Administrator Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,410	connecting a hub - switch to gateway Configuring my network, need a little help to make sure I'm doing this correct AND to recommend a wireless hub/switch. I have cable connect coming from the wall (cable - broad band). Cable goes from wall to cable modem. Cat 5 goes from cable modem to NIC card (ONE) in the "new" server. The server has MS small business server 2003 on it. NIC card (TWO) goes to the hub or switch. QUESTION: What is the difference between a hub and a switch? QUESTION: Any brand or type you would recomend. I currently have a linksys 4 port router and like it. ((However, I technically will not need it?? or at least the router part, since I will be using the SBS to act like a gateway AND it will have a far better firewall - security software. Not to mention, supposed to be very easy to install and configure)) anyway, from the hub/switch, I will connect via wireless or wired any other computers I want to be on the "internal" network. Does all this sound correct? I hope so, I was reading and I think I understand it correctly To sum up the network configuration... public internet \|\| cable modem \|\| server running SBS 2003 \|\| hub/switch \|\| any other PCs in the local network I need to buy a wireless hub/switch. Currently have a linksys router, while I can use it, I want a hub to "practice" setting up my network. Incase I screw something up, I don't want my internet connection to be down thanks

12-23-2003, 11:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
CrashAbbott Ultra Techie Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 500	HUB A connection device for networks. Allows multiple segments or computers to connect and share packets of information. REPEATER unit that amplifies the signal over a long distance of cable ROUTER "smart HUB" - Can be used to connect a LAN to a LAN, a WAN to a WAN, or a LAN to the Internet. (maybe you dont need that HUB) SWITCH "Smarter Router" - Does not allow broadcast traffic,, Point to point communication (by IP) A device to segment networks into different subnets. Segmenting the network into different subnets keeps one network from overloading with traffic. Your setup is sound,, are you going to let the server use DHCP,, or are you assigning IP addresses,, that seems to be the only piece that you left out,,, cheers. __________________ Crash Abbott MCSE, MCP+I, A+ \"You\'re the Disease, and I\'m the Cure!\"

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12-22-2003, 02:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
ekÆsine Wizard Techie Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,940	im sure some of my info is not correct so hopefully someone will make corrections ==QUESTION: What is the difference between a hub and a switch? hub is a multiport repeater that broadcasts incoming signal to all devices, not efficient. do not get a hub switch is smart enough to know where to send packets to their destination, its definately better. ==QUESTION: Any brand or type you would recomend. I currently have a linksys 4 port router and like it. doesn't really matter i would think since your server will handle most of the security. i have no clue what kind of software firewall and security SMS has. if it is not addequate you may want to get a decent hardware firewall placed between the server and modem. ==I need to buy a wireless hub/switch. Currently have a linksys router, while I can use it, I want a hub to "practice" setting up my network. you meant wireless access point w/built in switch. most wireless hardware technology is becoming merged into a single piece of hardware, same as what has happened with wired network hardware. most likely you would be buying a wireless router now-a-days. there is no practice needed, they are set up almost identical as wired.

12-23-2003, 09:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Larry Administrator Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,410	Thanks... this is what I'm going to do... hope it works public internet \|\| cable modem \|\| server running SBS 2003 \|\| Net Gear switch = Linysys wireless router = more PCs on network \|\| PCs on local network ((the reason for the linksys router is 1) I already own it 2) it wireless))

12-23-2003, 01:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
Inaris Master Techie Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,258	Well, Larry your config is almost the mirror of mine, minus the Windows server, I Use a Linux one. Just so you know, the Net Gear hardware is Awesome. best wishes...

12-24-2003, 01:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
weiss Newb Techie Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1	Hi everyone, I am new to this firm, so don't you all ask me a question at once, just kidding! I think that the setup should be as follow: Cable coming out of the wall to Cable Modem, to Router, and to either a Hub or a switch. Although, a switch will make better use of the bandwidth then a Hub. Router= a smart swith Switch= a smart hub (best use for managing network bandwidth) Hub = layer 1 device and it is mainly concerned with MAC address. Hope this helps?

12-27-2003, 06:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
Larry Administrator Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,410	Wow... lots of good ideas and thoughts. Although, not sure what I should do. Maybe I (this thread) needs more input I do see Inaris, has basically the same setup as my proposed one... So aleast I know it works Here is what I want to do and why: 1. Internet connection (cable ) from wall to cable modem. 2. Cable modem to NIC card on server. The server is going to run MS Small Business Server. This has great security features, firewall software, etc. etc. Have not used it before, but everything is supposed to be very easy to configure, etc. All wizards and stuff like that. EASY! --- so they say 3.) From server (another NIC card) to Net Gear switch. A switch is better than a hub. (not sure all the details, but so I read and been told). The switch has 5 ports. 1 will go to printer, 3 will go to another computers, 1 will go to a Linksys Wireless router. 4. From the router to my one wireless laptop. This is the ONLY reason I need the router connected to the switch.... I already own it and its wireless. I will not use the router for a firewall or security... ONLY the wireless capability. There are questions about DHCP, etc. Yikes.... I have no idea about that topic. I do know the Linksys router MUST have the DCHP turned off to work in my network config. As far as the rest of the technical specs.... I'm hoping (crossing my fingers) that the SBS server will take care of ALL of those details. That is one of the reasons I'm installing it as my server. Anyone have comments on if this will work as planned? I will be actually doing this configuration this week.... and will let you know how it goes thanks

12-27-2003, 09:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
ekÆsine Wizard Techie Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,940	oops did not see that it was a wireless router, your config is perfect Larry.