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| Building a Wired Home Network - Wired Routers, Switches and Hubs |
About Wired Routers, Switches and Hubs
The centerpiece or "core" of a wired home network can be either a router, switch or hub: (see below)
Wired Ethernet hubs support basic file sharing and connection sharing for home networks with or without Internet service. Ethernet hubs support computers running any modern network operating system, including Windows, Linux and Macintosh computers.
Wired Ethernet switches support fast file sharing and connection sharing for home networks (with or without Internet service). Ethernet switches support higher-bandwidth applications like gaming and sharing of large files. Like hubs, switches also support multiple operating systems. Although Ethernet switches cost a bit more than Ethernet hubs, switches are preferred for home networks unless minimizing cost is the absolute top priority.
A wired Ethernet broadband router supports fast file sharing and connection sharing for cable modem or DSL Internet services. These home routers integrate the functions of a traditional Ethernet switch, a DHCP server, and a firewall for convenience. These routers usually cost less than equivalent wireless routers.
Choose one of the options below to proceed:
