Router: 1 or 4 port?

I'm thinking of getting a Linksys router for my cable modem and 2 pcs. The thing is recently I bought a hub and a second NIC for this computer (hub was used over summer for 3 pcs, now used because of lack of crossover cable to hook the 2nd comp up throught my 2nd NIC). I really don't want to have to have the one on for the other to access the net, this is why I want the router (and the firewall stuff ain't so bad either.)

If I got the 4 port, I could eliminate the hub and the 2nd NIC. If I got the 1 port, I could eliminate the 2nd NIC, and then plug the hub into the router.

My question is, what do you think would be more worth it? Getting the four port and then having a hub and a NIC to go to waste (or maybe sell). Or should I save about $50 and just get a 1 port and plug the hub into it?

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by GI_Clutch (edited September 22, 2000).]

I have a 1 port router with a hub pluged into it. HAHA but then i like toys so the more things the better i feel.

I had the same setup (cept I was using Sygate on a Dial-up until I got Cable) -- while I didn't have a third NIC I had 2 & a HUB... I chose to go with the 1-port version, never saw myself plugging more than 4 PCs into my current setup (5-port HUB)... so figured save the money.

FYI - The Linksys Routers are great, no matter which one you pick.

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-zero~abYss

I have the 4 port router. I disconnected my old hub because it was just a 10 baseT hub, and not the 10 baseT/100 like the router. Cable modem is only 10Mbps, but the computers now communicate at 100Mbps. At buy.com you can usually get a $30 coupon which puts the 4 port around $126. Not a bad price for a router. However, you could get one of the linksys 5 port switch for around $35 and run zonealarm for security.

They have an 8 port version out now, too.
I have the 4 port and love it (I probably would buy the 8 port, however, if I was buying a router now...it's like $220 or so I believe).

Quote:

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Originally posted by GI_Clutch:
I'm thinking of getting a Linksys router for my cable modem and 2 pcs. The thing is recently I bought a hub and a second NIC for this computer (hub was used over summer for 3 pcs, now used because of lack of crossover cable to hook the 2nd comp up throught my 2nd NIC). I really don't want to have to have the one on for the other to access the net, this is why I want the router (and the firewall stuff ain't so bad either.)

If I got the 4 port, I could eliminate the hub and the 2nd NIC. If I got the 1 port, I could eliminate the 2nd NIC, and then plug the hub into the router.

My question is, what do you think would be more worth it? Getting the four port and then having a hub and a NIC to go to waste (or maybe sell). Or should I save about $50 and just get a 1 port and plug the hub into it?

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by GI_Clutch (edited September 22, 2000).]

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Not to be too anal here, but you are mixing terminologies. You may have a hub, but the Linksys 4 port router has a switch. That is dedicated bandwith for each port compared to shared. It will make a difference if you are using your LAN for bandwidth intensive things like sharing videos and transferring files. If you are doing not much more than internet sharing go with your current setup and save the money. If you are a real computer geek like me, what is $50 to be on the faster technology???

Get the 4 port. You'll eventually have a use for the hub and NIC even if you don't have it right away. There's always a use for a spare NIC and HUB, especially if you go to LAN parties where guests show up unexpectedly and suddenly you've got 12pcs and only 8 ports on the hub. The person with the extra hub usually gets mad props (and perhaps a free pizza). I've got the Linksys 4 port and it's useful, too. If someone ever brings over a PC/Laptop all they have to do is set up to use DHCP and plug into an open port and they're on the internet. Rigging up a hub into a single port can cause some problems, but I've yet to have a problem with the 4 port when someone plugs into one of my open ports. If nothing else, you'll one day have a use for those spare parts or open ports and you'll be kicking yourself for not thinking ahead in the first place. Go for the 4 port, that's my recommendation.

I have a Netgear 4 port Router. I love it. I've heard that Linksys have some compatability problems, maybe just rumors. I would say pay the extra 40 or 50 for the 4 ports. Like stated before, they are switched giving deticated bandwidth to computers or high speed hubs. As a network guru, it's always good to have extra ports, NICs, and cables https://www.sharkyforums.com/images/.../2005/06/5.gif

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~Ender
"See with eyes unclouded by hate."

getting the 4 port will give you 4 swithed ports which is going to faster than a hub. I have a single port with a linksys 5 port switch (it's nice to run 100mbs fullduplex)