>yes, that's exactly how it works. what that means is if machine A is >sending a huge file to machine B while machine C also wants to send a >huge file to machine D, with a switch this can happen as fast as >possible, with a hub the 2 separate transfers compete for bandwidth >slowing everything down. unless you plan on having a large network or >sharing alot of volumes or other resources there's no real need for a >switch. on the other hand, i've got a switch because i got it cheap on >ebay. as long as you don't get a "managed" switch/router there's really >nothing or very little to configure and it doesn't matter if it's >designed specifically for a mac or not, it's a fairly dumb box. > >one thing you do want to consider, if you are going to have older >machines that only have 10bt ports- older cards can't negotiate the >speed with the hub/switch and may not work, so you may want a switch/hub >with some dedicated 10bt ports.
I had zero difficulty with both a "real" NE2000 and a D-Link NE2K Clone using a switch. The negotiations were seamless and perfect. I don't see why ANYONE should use hubs anymore. Switched bandwidth is way better than collision domains. Luckily most broadband routers/firewalls have built-in switches. So you can get your protection against 'l33t hax0rz and your switched bandwidth at the same time. If you can still find an SMC Barricade ABR 7004 you don't even need a broadband connection...it will work with an external analog modem. If you simply can't or won't get a router, standalone switches (switched hubs) are available for the same or less cost than an old-school hub. I have had great luck with my Addtron and the aforementioned SMC Barricade, but there are other good, inexpensive switches out there. Take care, --.\\<-H-- Ms. Geek -- online since 1987 -- Box 2273, Van Nuys, CA 91404-2273 http://www.msgeek.org/ -- Finally, a geek news site FOR US! Spam me and you pay! I'm in California! http://www.spamlaws.com/state/ca1.html o/ And she'll have fun fun fun 'til her daddy takes the T1 away...o/ -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
