Internet Router or Hub?

A hub works only for computer to computer communitcation.  If you want to share an internet connection, you need a router.  It routes the internet connection to all of the computers and also acts as a switch (an intelligent hub) for computer to computer communications.

 

Steve

Do you have any suggestions on routers?

Routers from Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, etc. will all work fine.   If you want one or more comptuers to connect by wireless (that computer would need to have a wirless network adapter), wireless routers from these vendors work well too.

 

Steve

Thanks!!

 

Madi

I would go with the wireless alternative, so long as you remember to secure it adequately.  No sense on running cables within a house for 2 boxes.  The hub is a passive repeater -doesn't do a thing but relay signals.  You didn't mention if you wanted file sharing between the 2 machines or not; just internet access.

 

Based on that, if you have DSL or cable you have 2 options.  First is to pay for 2 DSL/Cable modems and hunt for wall outlets.  You would end up with 2 seperate dynamic IP addresses, and some extra costs incurred on a monthly basis.

 

Second option is the wireless router.  Several brands available.  You would want one that provides B/G service for backward compatability.  Wireless-A is not compatible with B/G and works on a totally different Gigahertz band (5Ghz), as opposed to the A/B which works in the 2GHz spectrum.

 

Wireless N technology is meant for high bandwidth wireless video streaming, and is pricey. 

 

By using the wirless router (especially the G band), you can place your PC's anywhere in the house, and not have to worry about radio RFI from household appliances such as cordless phones and microwave ovens - it has a max bandwidth of 54MBps, but a somewhat more limited range.  Try to situate your wireless router/access point high in the house, connect your first PC directly to it, or use the wireless function.  Second PC goes totally wireless, preference is to use a USB adpater with a long wire to situate the wireless antenna as high as possible.  While it is possible to buy a wireless band PCI card and install into the PC, I don't like the idea of having the antenna (which is stuck out the back of the PC low to the floor) buried down around a metal PC box case.  Metallic objects in walls, and that PC case will reduce or reflect your wireless signal - regardless of the band.

 

By using a wireless router/access point you have accomplished 2 goals.  First is placement of PC's anywhere in the house.  Second is wireless security througheither WEP or WPA encryption and NAT addressing (uses private IP addresses), and you only need a single internet connection to the router - which saves on the monthly bill.

 

A note on NAT (and PAT) is that it takes a usually dynamic IP address which is visible to the entire world of hackers, and basically translates that address into a private network adrees which is not visible - hiding your little network of 2 computers from the internet and hackers.  All the internet "sees" is that router IP network interface; not your PC's.  They need to get beyond that initial obstacle, then through your individual PC firewalls to access your files.

 

If you want to really secure your files from casual perusing, try using the encryption option.  Take care though, once encrypted - if you lose the "key", you have lost access to those file forever.  That is one instance where writing down a password is suggested.  If you should decide to reimage the hard drive from bare metal - unecrypt those files, makes backups, then reinstall your operation system. 

 

Just remember if you should decide to go the wireless route - make certain that you do not simply plug it in and start using it - because your close neighbors will also start using it as well.  Get into the router menu, read the manual, and secure it before going online.  With a single small access point and router you have the ability to connect up to 254 devices to a single internet connection.

 

 

I didn't think anyone would be considering hubs anymore, because switches have come down in cost and would be better in case more computers are added in the future.

 

bottomline: hubs use shared bandwidth while switches have their own "lanes".

more in depth info :

http://www.sensiblecinema.com/Knowledge/HUB.htm

 

if you don't plan to have more than 4 PCs connected by wire,

and if you run DSL,

you could consider the routers with built-in 4 port (maybe more) switch.

 

When you sign up with the provider they may need to record down your

network card's MAC address;

but that's easily solved as the router/switch can clone or impersonate

any MAC address...

therefore you can connect more PCs with just a single modem/router/switch,

by wire.

**I've heard enough horror stories about WEP being broken into and I never

do banking while on Wi-Fi**

 

 

If you're planning to connect to the internet, what I would suggest is a gateway (a router and modem in one package). One of the best brand is a 2wire Gateway. A 2700HG-B or a 2701HG-B would be great for either wired or wireless networks.

My laptop has been in and out of connectivity while I am in the same room as the Belkin router.  I have read many of the posts here and am slowly learning.  My network's profile shows on the profiles page and says that connectivity is excellent, but it stirs on the comcast homepage right before all of the pictures come up.  It just keeps churning and I have to restart the laptop every time to get reconnected.  There is a 2Wire759 showing on the profiles that always comes up strong, but it is locked.  I kept thinking I was tuning into a neighbors network.  I just read the last post here and you mention a 2 Wire ??? That also shows up on my computer in the programs (2Wire Wireless Client).  Can you tell me what I have?  Another laptop connects fine and so does a desktop upstairs.  My laptop won't consistently pick up the internet upstairs either.  It is only @30 feet up, my office is at the top of the stairs and the router is at the opening of the bottom of the stairs.

Computer info:  Latitude D610, ProWirelessd 2200BG, Comcast IP provider, Belkin router (channel 11)  At one point I was told that I have two IP addresses conflicting.  But haven't got that far yet. 

Any help would be appreciated. 

A 2wire Wireless Client is an application used for connecting a system running on Win 2000 (or lower) to a 2wire gateway or if you want to bypass the Windows wireless zero. The 2Wire759 (759 is the last 3 digits of the 2wire's Serial #) showing in the "Available Wireless Networks" is just a nearby router in your loc.

 

Try to check the TCP/IP settings... make sure that everything (IP add and DNS server add)  is set to "obtain automatically".

I did check and they are both set the automatically detect.  In another area, I saw that it has "use automatice configuration script.  It is not automatically detect.  I tried deleting the //localhost:9100/proxy.pac and switching it, but it keeps resetting itself to this address.  What is that?