Do I need a router, hub or something else?

Jimbo Slice

Jimbo Slice

CAGiversary!
Feedback
29 (100%)
My connection at school comes in through a wall-port where you place an ethernet cord in the wall and use it from there. Unfortunately, this leads to me only being able to have 1 device using it at a time, but I'd prefer to be able to use more. My question is, do I need a router, a hub or something else?

At first I thought Router but then I thought about it and since the connection wouldn't be coming directly from the modem, I figured I might only need a mug but I'm not sure. Can anyone help me? I could post more details or possibly pics if that is necessary.
 
A switch should work in this case, but I'd get a router anyway just for the safety of a hardware firewall. If you get a router, you might as well get a wireless router even if you don't plan on using the wireless. They don't cost that much more and you can always disable the wireless. Normally people just get a Linksys WRT54G for this kind of thing.
 
Routers work like a server.
You are already being served through your school.
Just a Hub/switch allows you to connect multiple devices to one served port.
Usually servers support up to 250some units per port on the server, so you should be good with just a switch.
 
[quote name='Lupuri']Routers work like a server.
You are already being served through your school.
Just a Hub/switch allows you to connect multiple devices to one served port.
Usually servers support up to 250some units per port on the server, so you should be good with just a switch.[/QUOTE]

Would you recommend the one Inufaye linked above?
 
You should ask your on campus network if they allow multiple hook ups via a switch. Otherwise you'd need a router just like a residential cable/DSL connection
 
[quote name='jimfoley16']Would you recommend the one Inufaye linked above?[/quote]Cant check out newegg from work. Long as its a reputable brand, go with it. I've never had a problem with any switches.

Going to school in the Philly area? Ifso what school?
 
Router - provides basic firewall protection and includes a switch. Could also provide wireless ability.

Switch - no firewall. allows you to split your internet connection between devices.

hub - literally splits bandwidth between devices. hardly ever used anymore


Here's the issue. With a switch you will be pulling more than one IP address from your school. If they allow that then great, a switch would work fine.

If not then you are going to want to go with a router. The router will only pull down one IP address and then it will give all of your devices their own IP address served through it's internal switch.


In the end a router is going to be the most useful in the future (when you eventually get a place of your own, etc). And I agree, go with the wireless version and disable wireless if you don't plan to use it.

The switch will likely be cheaper, but won't be as useful in the future.


As far as brand, I prefer Linksys.
 
Router is the best decision. If your college provides real IP addresses and you want one for each computer then just disable NAT on the router and it will basically be a switch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top