View Full Version : Can you network to intenet with just a hub safely
Dmetal
Oct 21, 2008, 08:52 AM
Could I, and how do I connect internet to multiple computers?
Making a home network with network hub using dsl for internet.
Is there any special concerns ?
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated
bigbird213
Oct 21, 2008, 08:59 AM
In order to connect multiple computers you need a router, not a hub. The router acts as what is called a DHCP server and supplies addresses to each of the computers behind the network. The DSL provider gives you 1 address, which the router assumes, and the router will provide alternate addresses to each of the computers behind it.
A hub will NOT do this, however, hubs are generally rare these days. Be sure what you have is not a router before you decide against using it.
Generally, the easiest way to tell is that a router will have an "uplink" or "WAN" or "Internet" port, whereas a hub will not. The DSL modem will connect to this "uplink"/"WAN"/"Internet" port, and the computers will connect to (any of) the remaining ports.
KISS
Oct 21, 2008, 09:41 AM
I disagree because the DSL modem can usually handle DHCP and NAT. It may also do firewall stuff, so it can act as a router.
A hub/switch allows multiple computers to connect together. NAT allows them to share a single IP address.
Wireless can also be contained in the DSL modem, but adding wireless to an existing network with both fixed and wireless addresses might prove to be difficult. It's not impossible.
bigbird213
Oct 21, 2008, 09:43 AM
Your right KISS,
I forgot that many of the newer modems have the some of the capabilities of routers (DHCP, NATing, etc) so if that is the case then there is no need for a router...
It's tough without knowing which modem he has.
NeedKarma
Oct 21, 2008, 09:44 AM
I disagree because the DSL modem can usually handle DHCP and NAT. It may also do firewall stuff, so it can act as a router.Just a note of caution - not all dsl modems do this, some are simple modems with no routing functions at all.
Dmetal
Oct 21, 2008, 01:13 PM
Your right KISS,
I forgot that many of the newer modems have the some of the capabilities of routers (DHCP, NATing, etc) so if that is the case then there is no need for a router...
It's tough without knowing which modem he has.
It's a cable modem Arris touchstone telephony modem came with comcast
The hub (I think) is a 3 com office connect duel speed hub 8
Yes it has uplink switch/connection
Hopefully I can get this thing running correctly
Thank you for your quick responses