Do I need a better router?

[Lizz__20]

Just switched from Bell DSL to Cogeco Cable internet. Our current router is a 3Com HomeConnect 10 mbps 5 port hub. Will we notice any significant increase with a different router?
(Already happier with Cogeco - when we had bell I canouldn't even check my e-mail without my bf lagging on the PS3, but he's playing as I type and there seems to be no problem. Hope it stays that way.)

[stevethewheel]

Hi. If what you have is truly a HUB then the first thing you need to do is get a real router.

Hubs are not very good at sharing the connection.

Suggest you check the exact words on 'the box' and confirm it's a hub.


If what you have is really a router then there's likely no reason to change it. One router is pretty much as good as the next for home use these days.

[goofball]

Our current router is a 3Com HomeConnect 10 mbps 5 port hub

That's not a router unfortunately. Unless you trying to connect multiple PC's to the Internet or share files amongst other computers in your house, I don't know why you'd use a hub.

I don't know if Cogeco gives more than 1 IP per account without paying additional for it. If they don't, then you'd need a router.

[Lizz__20]

Home Networking Ethernet Hub. So yeah I guess i'll look for a router.

[Lizz__20]

That's not a router unfortunately. Unless you trying to connect multiple PC's to the Internet or share files amongst other computers in your house, I don't know why you'd use a hub.

I don't know if Cogeco gives more than 1 IP per account without paying additional for it. If they don't, then you'd need a router.

All we use it for is so we can run a computer and the PS3 from the same internet connection.

[mlerner]

I would at least consider a switch, if nothing else just to significantly decrease the lag. The problem with a hub is that continuous traffic from one source disrupts the traffic of everything else on that hub. So while you may be surfing, your game may be lagging a bit, could be a lot more noticeable if you're downloading. For more security and easier configuration, ultimately I would suggest a router. Depending where you shop they aren't that expensive anymore.

[Lizz__20]

Thanks. Canada computers has one for $35, and it looks to have decent reviews.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=000345&cid=NT.984

[stevethewheel]

Thanks. Canada computers has one for $35, and it looks to have decent reviews.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=000345&cid=NT.984

That will do the trick nicely. You should notice a little bit better performance when he's playing and you're downloading (or watching videos etc).

Don't feel like a technoidiot about the hub/router/switch thing. There used to be a significant price difference that made people more aware of the differences. (router is better than switch is much better than hub) These days lots of folks throw the terms around as if they are the same thing.