Networking: hubs, switches & routers

Ethernet & TCP/IP

Each computer connected to the network needs:
• a Network Interface Card (NIC) (commonly using Ethernet)
• a connection to the hub / switch / router
• an address that uniquely identifies it in the network

Hub

Passes all network traffic it receives on to all computers attached to it. This can clog up large networks, but really isn't an issue with a small home setup.

Switch

Examines the network traffic it receives for the destination address. It then sends the traffic to the appropriate computer (or hub, etc). This reduces unnecessary traffic on large networks, but really isn't an issue with a small home setup.

Router

Pretty much the same as a switch, as far as the small home setup is concerned.