# Changing from a Router to a Hub **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 15, 2003, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367 "2003-05-15T04:22:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ForumBot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ee59a6/32.png) [@ForumBot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ForumBot)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/1 "2003-05-15T04:22:45Z")
Alright, I’ve decided that this cheap Linksys router needs to go, and fast. I’m using a Westell ADSL modem (ethernet, using bellsouth fastacess) right now. The modem itself can act as a router, so a hub will make my network easier to manage and more stable (security is not a factor) I’ve been looking at some hubs, and [This 8-port netgear](http://www.netgear.com/products/prod_details.asp?prodID=132&view=hm) struck my fancy. How would I go about setting up the internet on this hub? I don’t see anywhere that this hub would be used in sharing the internet between multiple computers. ---
**Author:** ![ookpik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c68b51/32.png) [@ookpik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ookpik)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/2 "2003-05-15T04:49:28Z")
I’m not convinced that your DSL modem is designed to route. It may be, but more likely it is not. You’ll need to install the client software (like Enternet) on each PC connected to the hub, and then make the connection with said s/w from each workstation. At least this has been my experience thus far. Ook. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/3 "2003-05-15T04:56:26Z")
Well… assuming the modem has a router built in there should be some kind of uplink port on the back. Attach a standard cat5 cable from the router/modem uplink to any standard port on the hub and see if it works. BTW that “cheap Linksys router” has a very nice hardware firewall built into it and depending on the modem model # your modem may not. ---
**Author:** ![TBone2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@TBone2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBone2)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/4 "2003-05-15T04:58:00Z")
If your ADSL modem can act as a router, what were you using the “cheap Linksys router” for? Hubs are not designed for internet sharing. They are designed for sharing, um, EVERYTHING, all at once. There is no setup to be done with a hub, except for plugging in the network cables and the power supply. The NetGear item you linked to is NOT a hub, it’s a switch. There’s a difference. When you discern that difference, try your post again. ---
**Author:** ![Maxxxie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@Maxxxie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maxxxie)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/5 "2003-05-15T05:55:57Z")
**ForumBot** , Most DSL modems can’t, on their own, share an internet connection. In my opinion, you are far better off having a router/firewall perform the internet sharing function for you. I second the opinion that you should use a product which uses a hardware firewall as this will protect you against all sorts of hack attacks. Basic network diagram would be along the lines of: workstations----switch/hub—firewall/router—DSL modem----internet Many of the SoHo firewall/router combos combine a switch with router and firewall. The Netgear [RP614](http://www.netgear.com/products/prod_details.asp?prodID=131&view=) is an example of such a product. So in this scenario, you would have: workstations----netgear router/firewall/switch combo—DSL modem—internet Oh, and as **TBone2** not-so-helpfully alluded to, a hub and a switch are not the same thing. Hubs broadcast all traffic to all ports. Switches “learn” which workstations are attached to which port (based on MAC address) and forward traffic on to only the ports required. This reduces network traffic and can provide increased throughput. Mate, go with a SoHo router/firewall/switch combo. It’ll be easier for you. Meanwhile, why are you getting rid of the Linksys? Max. ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/6 "2003-05-15T06:16:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Maxxxie \* > In my opinion, you are far better off having a router/firewall perform the internet sharing function for you. I second the opinion that you should use a product which uses a hardware firewall as this will protect you against all sorts of hack attacks. Uh, there’s no _hardware_ firewall _per se_. It’s still a program you run on a dedicated box. ---
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-from-a-router-to-a-hub/175367/7 "2003-05-15T06:50:03Z")
**Forumbot**. I concur with **Maxxie** - if you could describe why the Linksys is a problem, we could perhaps give some useful input. Right now the project seems a bit vaguely defined. Put me in the “doubtful that the ADSL modem will do the trick” camp. > [@](#): > > How would I go about setting up the internet on this hub? Short answer: You wouldn’t. Hubs (or switches) do not concern themselves with whether they’re moving Internet, Novell, Appletalk or whatever-other-protocol-you-might-mention. (Well, Layer 3 switches do - but they’re hardly relevant for a home network setup.)