Hub:
no network traffic regulation. For example, if 2 computer tries to send data through at the same time, one will go through, another will bounce back and be sent again 'til it goes through.
Switch:
regulated traffic. It resolves collisions, and I guess has an internal queue. In a very small network (2-4 computers), not much if any speed difference between Hub and Switch, some may even say Hub is faster since there will be more hardware delays in the Switch. Anything beyond 4 computer network, Switch is probably more advantageous.
To connect multiple computers to the internet through Hub or Switch, each computer requires it's own "real" IP. Generally, ISPs are going to charge extra for each IP...universities tend to not care as much. I use a hub to share my university's connection.
Router:
Take the single "real" IP your ISP assigns, create a bunch of "fake" IPs, and put all the computers behind the router on those "fake" IPs. 192.168.x.x and 10.0.x.x are dedicated "fake" IPs for routers.
Why use routers? as mentioned above, ISPs will charge extra per IP, and unless you want to pay for multiple modems, you need to get a hub/switch anyway. Since routers are MUCH cheaper now, around the $100 mark, it's probably the best way to go in a SOHO setting.
no network traffic regulation. For example, if 2 computer tries to send data through at the same time, one will go through, another will bounce back and be sent again 'til it goes through.
Switch:
regulated traffic. It resolves collisions, and I guess has an internal queue. In a very small network (2-4 computers), not much if any speed difference between Hub and Switch, some may even say Hub is faster since there will be more hardware delays in the Switch. Anything beyond 4 computer network, Switch is probably more advantageous.
To connect multiple computers to the internet through Hub or Switch, each computer requires it's own "real" IP. Generally, ISPs are going to charge extra for each IP...universities tend to not care as much. I use a hub to share my university's connection.
Router:
Take the single "real" IP your ISP assigns, create a bunch of "fake" IPs, and put all the computers behind the router on those "fake" IPs. 192.168.x.x and 10.0.x.x are dedicated "fake" IPs for routers.
Why use routers? as mentioned above, ISPs will charge extra per IP, and unless you want to pay for multiple modems, you need to get a hub/switch anyway. Since routers are MUCH cheaper now, around the $100 mark, it's probably the best way to go in a SOHO setting.