I have a home network with 5 computers and am in need of a new HUB or maybe a Switch. I was hoping someone could tell me the difference between a HUB and a Switch and in what direction I should lean. I have a Linksys Router connected to a Cable Modem so I will definitely need an Uplink to connect all 5 computers through to the Internet. The only difference I am able to tell from some of the box info is that a switch is more intelligent than a HUB which leads to fewer collisions. Thanks for your time! All my computers have 10/100 LAN cards. David D.

I would go with the switch. It is much better for handling network trafic then a hub. How many ports are on your Linksys router? You may just want to update your router to a 8 port and not have to use a hub or switch.

A hub is a layer 1 device that floods all its ports with any traffic passed through it, i.e. all workstations have to process all IP packets. Also most hubs only support a fixed speed/duplex configuration. In contrast, a switch is a layer 2 device that only floods traffic to the ports that need it. This conserves bandwidth and means workstations will not have to process each and every packet passing through the switch. In addition, switches support any combination of speed/duplex. That's the advantages of a switch. Disadvantages of using a switch are: 1. They are typically more expensive than a hub. 2. They *may* require some configuration depending on your needs. Hubs don't typically require any configuration (though most switches are plug-n-play and should work out the box.)

In simple english. lets say we had a file that we wanted to send from machine 1 to machine 5 a hub wud send that file to computer 1,2,3,and 4 before getting its way to 5. a switch is different and is faster because it sends it straight to the machine eg: from computer 1 straight to computer 5.Hope missing out 2,3 and 4 hope thats easier to understand. need anymore help email me.

Thanks everyone for your help on my decision. I really learn a lot from everyone at this Forum. I just perchase the Linksys 8-PORT Workgroup switch and already see a difference in my connection on the LAN and WAN. Thanks again for all your help now and in the future. David A. DeChene