[wellylug] Ethernet hubs (possibly for the K12 Project)

[Volker Kuhlmann]

> As I said, I am ethernet challenged, but on the theory that faster is
> better would you go for the 10/100 and if so is the 8 port better value at
> $22.25/port as opposed to the 5 port at $28.40/port... or doesn't it really
> matter...

The number of ports determines how many computers/printers/fridges/etc you
can hook onto your LAN with just that one hub. Entirely your choice.

100Mbit ethernet is becoming standard fast, and is now very cheap. As
the name suggests, it's probably about 10 times faster than 10Mbit.

As for switch vs hub, you can view a hub as a box which knots a few ethernet
cables together. The speed for all(!) connected devices is the same as that
of the slowest connected. With a switch, you get speed translation between
10 and 100 Mbit, and if you have 2 10Mbit machines and 2 100Mbit machines,
the 2 faster ones can talk 100Mbit with each other without being slowed down
by the 2 slower ones. However you have to also consider the total throughput
(bandwidth) of the switch - few will be able to sustain full speed on all
ports at the same time. There are some 10/100 8 port switches for sale for
$160 or so, apparently they work and are ok for a home network. I figure
though that in case of doubt I'll have less trouble with my $450 Allied
Telesyn one, which, no doubt, also has the higher throughput (and integrated
power supply). There is an element of you-get-what-you-pay-for in there.

Volker

-- 
Volker Kuhlmann
University of Canterbury, ELEC Dept, Christchurch, New Zealand
Email: v.kuhlmann at elec.canterbury.ac.nz      Web: http://volker.orcon.net.nz/
Please do not CC list postings to me.

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