Do i need a hub or switch or router

[dhruv990]

I'm really confused even after going through several websites.

What I want to do is to connect multiple computers together to host a lan party, i don't need the internet on any of them as just me and my friends are gonna be playing.

Do I need to buy a HUB or Switch, and will I need a router to connect the the computers to the HUB or Switch?
If I buy a switch i dont need a hub right? will all the computers be able to interact with each other in the game with a switch or does only a hub do that.

Because I read a switch is selective, so i'm confused whether this selective switching will prevent a computer to having access to the same game?

Thank you!

 

[john-b691]

You most likely will not be able to find a hub except in some junk bin of old stuff.

All you need is a switch to connect the machines together. The only problem you may find is assigning IP addresses. You will have to manually setup each machine. You could try to use those strange IP microsoft uses when it does not find a dhcp server but its not a lot more work to set the IP than to look up the one it generated.

 

[dhruv990]

You most likely will not be able to find a hub except in some junk bin of old stuff.

All you need is a switch to connect the machines together. The only problem you may find is assigning IP addresses. You will have to manually setup each machine. You could try to use those strange IP microsoft uses when it does not find a dhcp server but its not a lot more work to set the IP than to look up the one it generated.

Yeah thats alright thanks! I've seen people on youtube getting their lans to work by doing something like if ones ip is 192.168.9.34 then the the other keep it as 192.168.9.35,then 36 then 37. so I'll tell those guys to change their settings sequentially to mine.

Also with a router i dont need any crossover cables right? regular ethernet cables will do?

 

[john-b691]

Most things auto negotiate on newer equipment so it doesn't matter anymore. By default switch to pc is a straight cable

 

[Hawkeye22]

The gigabit specification calls for auto mdi-x so crossovers aren't needed. 10/100 ethernet needs crossover cables for certain devices, but for a pc to a switch, it's always a standard cable.

 

[dhruv990]

Thank you everyone for all the help, now I know what to get

 

[dhruv990]

Best answer selected by dhruv990.