RE: switch or hub

["Kevin Hawkins" <lists@xxxxxxx>]

Hi local,

 

    Essentially a hub is just a repeater for a network, anything it receives on one wire it sends out on all the others, the effect is that every wire carries everything on the network. Similar to a room where everyone talks at once and can hear each other, individual conversations are still possible but they get more difficult as more people get talking.

    A switch is more intelligent in that it only send things out on each wire if they have an intended destination on that wire. If for example you have two computers talking to each other then that information only appears on those two ports. It is sort of analogous to the telephone exchange system. The effect is a much better utilisation of network bandwidth and an 8 port 10Mbps hub could theoretically handle 4 simultaneous conversations each at full 10Mbps speed.

    If you are already having network problems a hub may or may not improve things - as they are more intelligent they can get upset quicker by some network issues e.g. multiple ip address conflicts, however they can also isolate problem legs themselves. I would recommend tracking down the problem as it is likely to still be there if you use a switch.

 

    A switch is a much better solution and they used to cost way more than a hub - but no more - I would recommend tracking down the problem though as it is likely to still be there if you use a switch.

 

    Kevin

 

PS One side effect of a switch is that you cannot 'snoop' on a network branch easily. I had intended to watch UDP packets travelling between the SliMP3's and the mp3 server to pick out the infra red remote codes in transit but of course they only exist on those two legs and not the whole network ! ... DUH!

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Crawshaw [mailto:golcarbob@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 23 July 2002 19:34
To: ukha_d
Subject: [ukha_d] switch or hub

Lo peeps

Could someone please tell me the difference between a switch and a hub.
Im still having network trouble, sometimes the pc's will talk, but most of
the time they wont, depends which direction the wind is blowing.
They are connected via a 16 port hub at the moment, but i have seen a
reasonably priced (bargain) 8 port switch, was wondering if that would make
any difference ??

tia

Robert Crawshaw                 http://www.golcarbob.com

The internet has had no effect on my life wwwhatsoever.com

I am Dyslexia of Borg            Your ass will be laminated



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