[ubuntu-uk] Can I use a desktop PC as a network hub?

[Gaurav Patel]

On 22/02/2008, Rob Beard <rob at esdelle.co.uk> wrote:
> Quoting James Grabham <jgrabham at googlemail.com>:
>
>  > Right, Im setting up a p3 800mhz 256mb box as a firewall, file server, media
>  > player and to use for other stuff.
>  >
>  > Now I will have
>  >
>  > Modem>PC>old wireless router
>  >
>  > If I do this, I will have all network traffic coming at it through a single
>  > 10/100 connection.
>  >
>  > Instead of plugging all my wired computers into the router, can I shove some
>  > more NICs into the srever, and plug them into this, making it act as a hub
>  > as well.
>  >
>  > So Id have eth0 eth1 eth2
>  >
>  > Will this work.
>  >
>  > Will I need patch or crossover cables.
>  >
>  >
>  > All help much appreciated.
>  >
>
>
>
> It's an expensive and complicated way of doing it.  I'd keep it how
>  you've got it at the moment.  It might not be such a good idea to run
>  a firewall on the same box as a server.  What sort of media are you
>  storing?  You should be able to support up to high definition video on
>  a 10/100Mbit connection.  I have 8 machines connected to my server for
>  media sharing, over a 100Mbit connection and it runs fine.  My server
>  is even running VMWare too so it's technically split into two machines.
>
>  If you did decide to go ahead though, you'd need crossover cables to
>  go from the PC to the NIC on the server, plus you're limited on how
>  many slots you have.  If you're worried about bandwidth maybe you
>  should invest in a gigabit switch and gigabit NICs.
>
>  Rob
>
>
>
>
>
>  --
>
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>

I would recommend doing the switching/connectivity of other
workstations using a hub or a switch, they're inexpensive now. You
state that you have a router, is it a multi-port router? That could
interconnect your other devices. You'll keep your server's CPU free to
do other things.