Switch / Hub Installation

A network switch or hub is a simple device that allows you to connect or add devices to a network.  They are available in versions that can connect 4 or more wired or wireless devices. 

Either can actually be an inexpensive method to connect multiple PC's to a single broadband internet connection.  Since a router is the preferred method to use in this case, they are not recommended because, by themselves, they don't protect your PC's from internet attack.  Nevertheless, it's possible to use one if each PC uses a software firewall, although your PC's address will still be seen on the internet. 

They can also be used to expand an existing router-based network.  However, hubs are not considered "intelligent devices" (incoming information is broadcast to all attached devices at once, with the addressed device responding) and, hence, they are slower than routers or switches, nor do they support mixing different-speed devices.  Hubs are a good low-cost option for network expansion.

A network switch is a preferred connection/expansion device.  It is an "intelligent" hub, and can connect devices of different speeds while providing better performance and speed than a hub.

Plan on ½ hour for this.