Router/Hub/Switch question

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by network23, Oct 23, 2007.

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  1. network23, Oct 23, 2007

    network23 macrumors 6502

    network23

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2002
    Location:
    Illinois
    #1
    I have an Actiontec DSL modem with built-in router. The modem has four 10/100 Base-T ethernet ports.

    Seeing as the modem router is not a switch, is there any value in using more than one of the modem's ethernet ports? Right now, I have one ethernet cable running from my modem to a 5-port gigabit switch. Three computers and my network storage drive are then connected to the switch.

    Is this the best way? Any suggestions? Thanks!
     
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  2. silbeej, Oct 23, 2007

    silbeej macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2007
    #2
    a router is a switch, but with brains. A switch is simply connecting a bunch of cables to each other. A router will know which cable to send data to based on where it was sent from. A router is like a mail processing center, which knows where each piece is to go, where a switch is like dumping all the mail in one big bin.
     
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