Bryon, You stated that you have two networks in a single classroom. You
could have all 22 computers on one network using a single 24 port (10/100)
switch and then they could all be on the same network (switching at OSI
Layer 2). With the switch in place of the hubs, you will see a marked
improvement in your network throughput as this will eliminate the collision
domains that are currently in your classroom setup.

Not that there couldn't be a reason, but I don't see why there would be a
need for two networks (which to me, means that the network portion of the IP
addresses are different) in a single classroom . But if the need exists, ,
then you will need a Layer 3 device (router) to handle the routing/switching
of the packets between the two networks.  Even with the router, you would
improve the speed and efficiency of your network by replacing the (layer 1)
hubs with a (layer 2) 24-port switch.


HTS - John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Byron Wolter" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 11:24 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] hubs or routers


> I have 10 Compaq computers running XP Home and 12 HPs running Windows
98SE. This is in one large classroom. The Compaqs are networked using
100BaseT on a 100BaseTX hub. That all works fine. The HPs are networked
running on a 10BaseT hub...and it all works fine. Both networks are TCP/IP.
The 100TX hub is  100 only and the 10 hub is 10 only. They can't switch. My
question is what is the best way to connect the two networks together? Some
of the HPs on the 10mb hub have 10/100 NICs, so they can go either way, but
the rest are 10mb only.
>
> Does a router solve the problem? Or, I need to switch to both 100mb hubs
and put 100mb NICs in the few PCs that only have 10mb NICs?  I really don't
know.
>
> Byron Wolter
>
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