Network Question

[eeyore]

Ok I need some help the story is I’ve got a simple
Network set up with a crossover cable between 2 PC’s
Now I’ve got a third PC I need to connect but the thing is
Am I better to get a network hub or a switch?
The only time third computer will be used is when my nephew
comes round to have a network game with my son and me
The point being hub sends the data to all computers (correct me if I am wrong)
but if two computers request at same time the band width is halved between them
or is it better to go with a switch, data only sent to computer that requests so you get full bandwidth? Or am I just tying myself in knots and wouldn’t notice a speed drop while playing multi player games with a hub????


Thanks for any help (do I need to slap myself?)

 

[weboneando]

For 3 pcs you won´t notice the diference between a hub and a switch, but if you can find a switch for the same price of a hub then buy a switch they´re more reliable than hubs.

 

[scarecrow]

IMO both are equally reliable, so I would prefer a hub- if my internet interface was ethernet. It would allow direct internet access to all my puters.
If you have a USB modem/network interface, you can use either with very similar results.

 

[weboneando]

IMO both are equally reliable, so I would prefer a hub- if my internet interface was ethernet. It would allow direct internet access to all my puters.

In that case a router should be the option to follow, and there´s a lot of model that have a hub or switch integrated in the same hardware and for a very low cost.

 

[scarecrow]

Yes, I agree- you can find aplenty of lowcost routers nowadays. Plus that if you can find a router with integrated hard firewall, it would be a huge plus, security-wise. It might give some problems using an FTP server in passive mode, but else than that I don't know any other shortcomings.

 

[eeyore]

thanks for all the fast replys
never considered a router this might be the way to go I'm
only on 56k at the mo, but broadband has just been activated
in my area today (26th) and will be getting it soon