router?hub? all the same to me

[tris-]

i was wondering, can anyone tell me what exactly is the difference between a router and a hub? i ask because i want to set it up so i can have 2 PCs and an xbox connected to my cable modem, but as cheaply as possible. i came across a router and a hub and all i can see is that a hub is cheaper. :scared:

 

[Deadmanwalking]

Ok a router is used to share an internet connection without having a computer to do it. U normalyput ur internet connection into it and most have a built in switch/hub to distribute to computers on ur network.
It can have ots of of features etc etc

think of a hub like a repeater it connects computers together and that it more or less just lets em send information to each other.....
A switch is the same as a hub but instead of broadcasting the information to every computer attached it just send it to the computer it is intended for.

As for ur problem.. im assumming u have a USB or Ethernet connection from either ur set top box or a little modem? yes?.. if so u have two choices u can have one PC set up as a gateway .. in that its plugged into the internet and has anouther ethernet card plugged into a hub and plugged into that is comp with the xbox* (See below) plugged into that. This requires that the gateway PC is turned on for the other 2 to have inet access

Or and prob the best bet

Get a router to replace ur modem if u have one that will connect u to the internet and have a build in hub/switch into which u plug ur 2 pcs and then the Xbox into one of the pcs. This is the better bet as it means only the small router box tiny thing is turned on for the 2 comps to have inet access. Iirc the xbox cant plug into hubs/routers and has to be plugged into a computer... i might be wrng if so then that goes into the router as well.. if not its plugged into one of the 2 comps and gets its i-net access if that comp is turned on.

Hope this helps

 

[tris-]

Originally posted by Deadmanwalking.


As for ur problem.. im assumming u have a USB or Ethernet connection from either ur set top box or a little modem? yes?.. if so u have two choices u can have one PC set up as a gateway .. in that its plugged into the internet and has anouther ethernet card plugged into a hub and plugged into that is comp with the xbox* (See below) plugged into that. This requires that the gateway PC is turned on for the other 2 to have inet access

i am using a USB cable modem. this method is ok for me as my comp is turned on anytime i am in the house, but dont i need ICS for this? because i am using win98, not the SE and cant seem to find anyone with SE disc or an XP disc that isnt just a restore disc. i also looked on the xbox site and there is 3 ways you can do it - directly, ICS way or plug into a router (the way i wanted).

also do i need to sort anything with my ISP (NTL) because when i registerd i had to phone up and give them some numbers (cant remember what) so they could activiate my connection.

PLUS i dont want to use a router instead of a modem cos i pay to rent the modem (only a fiver) plus the line charge, otherwise you have to buy the fuckin thing.

 

[Deadmanwalking]

Im assuming u had to regiter ur mac address of ur card .... i think not sure of Shite Cable ways but ill assume its that

Well if u dont want to buy a router and u cant get ICS then im afraid im at a loss, unless u either get ICS or set up a box as a dedicated router be that smothwall or some linuz clone.

 

[tris-]

now you mention it i think it was the address written on the bottom of the modem. so lets say i buy this router, can i just plug the modem into the router? then i THINK i might not need to re-register anything.

 

[Deadmanwalking]

the modem is plugged into ur set top box?? or?

 

[tris-]

no its just plugged straight into the cable.

 

[kameleon]

http://www.linksys.com/ntl/

this will tell you all about networking your cable connection with a router

hope it helps

 

[tris-]

thanks for the link and thanks for the help deadman :great:

 

[Deadmanwalking]

Right if im right u can get rid of ur modem.. and buy a router that plugs into that cable ur modem did then ur comps/xbox into that... that linksys one is excellent and if you want i have a spare one sitting next t me atm just acting as a switch LOL so your welcome to that for for less then the 60 they are saying =/

Anyway away from that u would also need a nietwork card in each PC and cat 5 ethernet patch cable 3 lengths one for each PC and one fo rteh XBOX.

 

[Mellow-]

http://www.linksys.com/ntl/wired_dia.asp

Yes, Yes! This picture is extremely relevant.