Router vs Ethernet Hub ???

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Sorry for such a basic question but I'm trying to figure out the difference
between a router and ethernet hub. My brother wants to use both his desktop
computer and notebook on his DSL modem. Can he connect a hub to his DSL
modem and then have two lines coming out of the hub... one line to his PC and
the other to his notebook?

Thank you, Mike
 
Mike950 said:
Sorry for such a basic question but I'm trying to figure out the
difference
between a router and ethernet hub. My brother wants to use both his
desktop
computer and notebook on his DSL modem. Can he connect a hub to his
DSL modem and then have two lines coming out of the hub... one line to
his PC and the other to his notebook?

Thank you, Mike
Click to expand...

Only if he gets (and pays for) two separate IP addresses from his
Internet Service Provider. It's a better idea to just get a wireless
router.

Here's a useful link (not because you need to buy Linksys, but because I
think it is a helpful site):

Linksys Learning Center - http://tinyurl.com/8ka4w

Malke
 
Sorry for such a basic question but I'm trying to figure out the difference
between a router and ethernet hub. My brother wants to use both his desktop
computer and notebook on his DSL modem. Can he connect a hub to his DSL
modem and then have two lines coming out of the hub... one line to his PC and
the other to his notebook?

Thank you, Mike
Click to expand...

Mike,

A (NAT) router acts as an active participant in a communication between one or
more computers or networks. If you have Internet service, and more than one
computer, a router will enable you to connect your computers to your DSL modem.
Your modem will see your computers, thru the router, as a single computer.

An Ethernet hub simply lets you connect two or more computers or networks. If
your DSL service, as most domestic services do, provides service to one
computer, you'll only be able to have one computer connected to the Internet.

If your brother wants to connect both computers, he will need a router. A hub
won't do the job.
 
Thank you Chuck. The reason for my confusion was that I had bought a Netgear
4 port Ethernet Hub years ago and never used it. The box says "Connect up to
4 PCs to share files, printers, fax machines, modems, and other peripherials.
Since it mentioned MODEMS, I wasn't sure if it meant that you could use it
to connect several computers to the same modem. Now I'm not sure why it says
you can "share modems" but I guess you really can't. At any rate I'm getting
my brother a wireless router. Thanks for all the help. PS: I like the
quote on "Paranoia". :) Mike
 
Back
Top