[linux-help] Re: Routers, Hubs, & Switches -

["Dale W Hodge" <dwh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: linux-help-bounce@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:linux-help-bounce@xxxxxxxxx]On
> Behalf Of Bob Goodwin
> Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 6:00 AM
> To: linux-help@xxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [linux-help] Routers, Hubs, & Switches -
>
> I would like to "network" two linux boxes ['586 RH-7.2], one of
> which is presently connected to the Road Runner cable. Actually
> both have eth cards and will work on the cable.
>
> I have been searching for information and am presently in a state
> of total confusion about routers, hubs, and switches.  Apparently a
> router will connect the boxes together and provide an internet
> connection to both?
>
> A hub will allow me to transfer data between computers via ethernet
> [my main objective] and with the addition of my old '486 I can
> create a router?
>
> Now I have discovered that Sam's Club sells something called a
> "switch" that offers similar functions?
>
> What do I need to buy? Will all of these devices tie my boxes
> together? What's the difference between a hub and a switch?
>
> Can anyone help on any of these questions?

Let me define the terms: a HUB connects computers on a shared medium (think
party line)and sends all traffic to each machine. A SWITCH connects
computers, but only sends each machine the traffic that is destined for it.
A true ROUTER connects different networks together. There are also
"residential gateway/routers"  which most are little more than a hub/switch
with a firewall and NAT (network address translation) built in.

The easiest choice is the "residential router", as this a simple plug and
play situation. It plugs into the cable connection and provides a number of
ports to connect the computers.  The other option is to make the box
currently hooked to the cable modem a router. You would need two network
cards in the box and some reconfiguration of the network rules. This
computer could be connected to one other computer by a simple crossover
cable, or connected to a hub/switch and through which connected to many
computers.

You might want to visit:
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX/networking.html
There are several howto's that explain things in more detail.

--dwh

---
Dale W Hodge - dwh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Vice Chairman & Secretary - info@xxxxxxxxx
Air Capital Linux User's Group  (ACLUG)
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