Could anyone give me the most simple answer what is the difference between Hub and Router? I hate to ask this kind of dumb question but just like to know the answer before I switch the Hub(I am using now)to new router. The Hub I am using is for the internet sharing, so Hub is between the main PC and the client machines; I heard if I use the Routers then I don't need to use internet sharing s/w and can have 2+ PC surfing internet at the same time(without the s/w installed)? that means one input port from DSL connect to Router and then more than one outputs will be able to used by PCs, is that true? Any kind of answers will be appreciated. Thanks! Roger

A hub is basically used to connect a group of PCs together in a LAN. A router is used to connect the PCs plugged into the HUB to other LANs or the Internet. Basically, if you want to get a router and stop using ICS, look into either a Netgear or Linksys router. I have a Netgear RT311 router which has one port to connect to the DSL or Cable modem and one port to go to my hub (from which all my PCs are plugged into). However, they now have a RT314. This has a port for the cable modem or dsl and also a four port switch built into it. Linksys has the same thing, but I am not sure what the model number is. Either of these will do what you need and eliminate the need for ICS. Hope this helps. Dan

Hi Dan, Thanks for such detail reply, I am really appreciated. One more question to verify, someone told me I can use a Hub which one port to connect to the DSL and the other Ports(4 ports) to go to my PCs,this is for internet sharing only, is that true? I was doubting, but this guy is networking guy, so I am a kind of confused. Please advise. Thanks in advance!

I have never heard anyone doing that before. To do this, there would have to be routing information added to the PCs to know how to send packets over the internet. This would have be done using the route add command in DOS. The easiest way is to stick with the Netgear or Linksys routers. They will take care of all the routing to the internet for you. These routers have a special port to plug your dsl connection into and you won't loose a port on your hub. Dan

There are various LAN to DSL hubs now on the market which elimates the program of LAN failure when using a dynamic IP address for the DSL connection. They are highly recommended.

Thanks for Dan and Techtony, I think I will take Dan's suggestion use routers to get away from trouble, because I am not that techie on the networking. also Techtony is right, my company is using Dynamic IP and that matching what you said. Thansk for both of you. Roger

Hub- is an equipment that allows to talk computers each other Router- Is an equipments that alloews to talk a group of hubs together