Check out the net-3 howto. You'll want to get a hub. I believe that the difference between a hub and switch is that (assuming both are 100Mbps), the hub can allow a maximum of 100Mbps of traffic (so two machines trying to transfer files from a server would get 50Mbps at most), and a switch allows 100Mbps per connection. Switches are also more expensive. Hubs are the better option for a typical low-traffic home setup.
For the hub, it probably won't matter what brand you get. There are some that are better than others, but unless you care whether a packet takes 3ms or 2.8ms to transfer, it won't matter much (I say go for a low price). For the NICs you'll want to make sure you get models that support Linux. I run realteks and a 3Com 3c905-B (but I've heard of problems with the 905-C). You could run a box with lots of ip masquerading to emulate a hub, but that's like swatting flies with a hammer. Just get a hub. It's cheaper, uses less power, and allows your boxes to see each other more easily. On Tue, Mar 27, 2001 at 06:32:53PM -0500, D-Man scribbled... > > I am planning on building an ethernet netowrk at home. What do I need > to do it (other than NICs and cable, of course)? What is the > difference between a hub and switch? Any recommended brands/models? > Do I really need a hub/switch or can I use an old box with a lot of > NICs instead? Is there anywhere I can RTFM all of this? > > Thanks, > -D > > > -- > To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact > [EMAIL PROTECTED]
