[NTLUG:Discuss] Router or switch?

[severian@pobox.com]

Howdy,
   Switches are getting cheaper all the time.  Micro Center had a real 5 
port switch for $9.99 after rebate today.  Two years ago there was 
sometimes a cost savings with a hub.  But unless someone is giving you a 
hub, today you should buy a switch. MadHat is kindof right 
though.  Sometimes people just call their cheap hub switches.  I have seen 
that several times.  Look carefully and you can find a cheap real switch 
and you'll be happier for it.  To me, the switch has been most useful 
because I can tell which machines are sending packets by just looking at 
the LEDs.  Sure, it is faster because you get rid of collisions and don't 
share the bandwidth, but the lights help me most often.
   I am curious why you don't want to share an internet connection.  You 
will be all set up for it.  You sure don't need to put a modem on each machine.
Good luck,
Ralph

In response to the welcome remarks of MadHat at 07:38 PM 5/3/03 -0500:
> > Thanks everyone. All of my nics are 10/100 so it looks like a hub or a
> > switch will work fine. I saw some switches on sale for less than $10 at
> > Fry's. I don't see how a hub can be much less than that.
> >
>
>Its not going to be a true switch.