Switch

[Bahamut]

My friend just gave me a 10/100M Fast Ethernet Switch. Currently, I am connected to it. It splits my DSL connection throguh ethernet. Now, does this switch provide me with a firewall or something?? Or, am I thinking of a router? Switches and routers seem pretty similar to me.

 

[15357]

#1. Wrong Forum

#2. Can't help, sorry.

 

[Septih]

I don't believe switches have firewalls, routers can have, and most can protect you through NAT.

My first uni lecture on networks is in half an hour, so maybe i can tell you after that

 

[Fliko]

Switchs don't have firewalls... they are just a straight through connection.
Yes, you are thinking of a router.

 

[Ikerous]

Is a switch a hub? or something else?

 

[Angry Lawyer]

A switch is like a hub, but better.

-Angry Lawyer

 

[Bobcat]

A hub is overloaded all the time because when someone sends data, it just spreads the data to all ports, whereas a switch only sends it to the necessary ports.

Some switches come with a firewall, although it's a very rare occurence. Router most often have a firewall, and also function as a switch at the same time. Although some old routers would function as a hub.

Put shortly: A switch is good, but it's not likely to protect you. Always have a router, not only will it provide a hardware firewall, but it'll let you set up your own private internal network rather than have all machines directly exposed to the net.

 

[Nat Turner]

no firewall

 

[Bahamut]

I already have a switch, but I am thinking of purchasing a wireless router? How does a wireless router work? Is it easy to set up??

 

[Nat Turner]

I already have a switch, but I am thinking of purchasing a wireless router? How does a wireless router work? Is it easy to set up??

plug it into the wall, connect it to your computer, yes