Which is better in networking my 4 computers, a router or a hub? why?

Answer 1

A router, for several reasons.
1. When information packets go into a hub, they are broadcast to all connections to the hub, searching for the right one. This leads to "traffic collisions" on your network. The net result slows down performance. Virtually all modern routers are intelligent enough to "switch". Information packets are routed directly to the appropriate connection, greatly reducing network traffic and speeding up your network.
2. A router can provide additional security, including NAT, firewalls, etc.
3. A router makes sharing internet much more efficient.
4. A router can provide DHCP services, push out DNS, etc., which reduces the time/effort of configuring all your workstations.
There's more, but... that answers your question.

Answer 2

A router and a Hub are completely different things and have completely different purposes.

In order to connect multiple computers to the Internet you will need a router. You may need both. Most routers have a hub (technically a switch) built in which supports a number of computers, usually four. If your router does not, or you want to connect more computers than it has ports you will need a switch (hub) to get more.

A router routes (hence the name) traffic accross networks. Without being overly technical your computers are one network and the Internet is another, a router allows the two to talk to each other.

Answer 3

A consumer-grade router also has switching technology in it, which is better than a hub. You might want to buy a $30 switch from CompUSA or something. If you're not transferring large files, you'll barely notice the difference between any of these, though.

Answer 4

a router because with a hub you wont be able to share your internet connection

Answer 5

use router cause if u use hub, u need to make one of the pc to route the packets..and dhcp server..router got dhcp built in