Do I have a router or a hub or a switch?

Question

Hi, I am trying to set up a home network. I have something that is either a router, a hub, or a switch, and Im not sure what it is, or what the difference is between all of them.

I read that a cable router can receive one ip address, and give different IP addresses within the intranet. Well, my whatever has like 10 plugs in on the front, and when I have two computers on the network, Windows tells me that I have IP conflicts. Does this mean that I dont have a router and I should buy one?

Answer 1

You probably have a switch, all it does is allow the networked computers to connect to each other. The IP conflicts are probably the result of the two comptuers setting their IP address to the default, in Windows that means both would have the same IP address. Yes you need to get a router. It has a WAN side(Internet), it's number will probably be automatically assigned by your ISP unless you have a static IP, which is unusual in a home setting. The router also has a LAN side(local area network). It's IP address will be something like 192.168.1.1. Elect to have the DHCP active, it assigns the IP addresses. Then set your Windows machines to get their IP addresses automatically. That is set in All Programs>Control Panel>Network Connections. Right click Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Choose Internet Protocol and select Properties. That is the page where you can set the Get IP Automatically, You also may need to run Network Setup Wizard, that is in Control Panel also. This assumes you're running XP, if not e-mail me and I will alter the instructions. Good Luck

Answer 2

A router with 10 plugs would have been expensive and who ever would have bought it would have known what it was. I doubt it is a router.



You probably have a switch or hub. You will need a router to use two computers. Post the model and manufacturer and we can tell for sure.



The IP conflicts need to be fixed. You probably have the IP addresses in manually, not set for DHCP. This is a little long to explain it all, but there will be a guide with the router. Let us know if you run into problems.

Answer 3

Usually Windows gets IP conflicts when two or more computers are assigned the same IP statically. Try to use DHCP in Windows.



If that doesn't work, give us the model and manufacturer so we can find out whether your device is a router, hub or switch.

Answer 4

Does your device have a port that says 'cable, DSL, broadband, or WAN' on it? If it doesn't, then more than likely you have a switch or a hub. If it does, then it must be a router. To tell if it's a switch or a hub can be difficult by looking at the appearance. Switches usually tend to have more ports on them than hubs. Sounds like you have a switch. To do what you are trying to accomplish, you will definitely need a router.

Answer 5

My bet is you have a ethernet hub. If you advise the make and model #, I am sure a search or question here will tell you.

Answer 6

I think you have a hub because sometimes you have to unplug your hub and plug it back in to get the confilict sorted out.

Answer 7

not enuff info provided to tell if it is a router, hub, or switch.

i suggest locating the part # or model # and googling it to know for sure.

hope this helps!

pe@ce

Answer 8

I'm gonna have to say that you have a router.