On 02/11/2011 12:21 PM, Jason Hsu wrote:
What are the differences among a switch, hub, and router? I know that they are
used in networking, but I don't understand what setups they are appropriate for.
There's going to be a lot of information available on the WWW, but as I
understand it:
* A hub typically connects devices on the same sub-network and blindly
sends all incoming packets to all devices. Hubs are the lowest-cost
means for connecting three or more computers via twisted pair Ethernet.
(A cross-over cable is the lowest-cost means for connecting two devices.)
* A switch typically connects devices on the same sub-network, knows
which device is which (by MAC address), and sends incoming packets to
just those devices that are supposed to receive them. With a wired
switch, it is possible for multiple streams of communication to occur
simultaneously. (For wireless, there is only one RF spectrum.)
Switches can give better performance (and/or security) than hubs, but
cost more.
* A router typically connects two or more sub-networks, knows which
sub-network is which (by interface IP address and subnet mask), and
sends incoming packets to just those sub-networks that are supposed to
receive them (per routing tables). Some routers add filter/ firewall/
stateful packet inspection, network address translation (NAT), DHCP
server, DNS cache/ proxy, web proxy/ filter, virtual private networking,
intrusion detection, etc.. The sky's the limit for features and price.
There are many SOHO router/ switch (and/or modem) products in the
$100-200 range with enough features to get you operational with minimum
effort. If you want to DIY, an x86 PC, 2+ NIC's, and a FOSS *nix
distribution is a viable option.
HTH,
David
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