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jonaz · Oct 11, 2006, 07:02 AM

I have telewest broadband and two p.c's. Can I use a hub along with my cable modem to split the signal via ethernet?

RickJ · Oct 11, 2006, 07:05 AM

Yep, that's just what the hub is for. Hook the incoming cable line to IN on the hub, then use 2 of the OUT lines to go to each computer.

jonaz · Oct 11, 2006, 07:13 AM

One problem, telewest isn't adsl it comes through on some mad screw on cable

RickJ · Oct 11, 2006, 07:22 AM

Right. That is a cable connection. Does it look like this?:

If your hub does not have an "IN" for that, keep it plugged into your cable modem, then run one of your cat cables from OUT on the modem to IN on the hub - then another cat cable from OUT on the hub to the other computer.

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NeedKarma · Oct 11, 2006, 07:29 AM

Hmmm... I was always under the impression that you need a router to share the internet connection not just a hub.

RickJ · Oct 11, 2006, 07:44 AM

I was using the term "hub" as I would "router"... as mine serves as both... but excellent point, Need. I did not consider that jonaz' "hub" is not also a router.

Jonaz, What is the make and model of the hub?

ScottGem · Oct 11, 2006, 08:20 AM

A hub is a network device that takes incoming data packets and broadcasts them to all devices on the network. A hub has almost no intelligence. It leaves it up to the recipient device to determine if the packets are addressed to it. So it does not know what packets go to what machines, nor can it do NAT.

The next step up is a switch. A switch has more intelligence in that it reads what device the incoming packets are addressed and sends the packets only to that advice. A switch, therefore, performs better because there is less conflicts as data is sent over the network.

A router is a similar but different device. A router is designed to take data packets from outside the network and route them to a switch or hub for distribution on the network. Also to do the reverse, taking packets addressed outside the network and sending them on. A broadband router designed for SOHO use will usually include features like DHCP and NAT. DHCP automatically assigns an IP to a device when it powers up. NAT translates the Private, internal IPs so it knows how to route packets it recevies from outside.

So a Hub or Switch CANNOT be used to share an internet connection because it doesn't do NAT. You need a router to do that. Most broadband routers have a built in switch. A wireless router also adds a Wireless Access Point to the mix.