[Wlug] Gigabit NICs for Linux

[Richard Klein]

sageman at WPI.EDU wrote:
> All,
> 
> Additionally, I'm looking for a gigabit switch. Only need like 4-8 ports
> and would like it, again, to work very easily. Never used a switch, just
> hubs and routers. Right now, have a hub hooked into a router. From what I
> understand, if I replace the hub with a switch, it should *just work*.
> Basically, a switch is like a hub, but with full duplex support and maybe
> some fancy QoS features or something, right?

As I understand it, switches are much simpler and more basic than 
routers.  If it has QoS, I think it's either a router or a managed 
switch.  My GigE router is a D-Link DGS-105, and it has no 
administration whatsoever; you just plug your cables into it and go.

Wikipedia addresses the difference between switches and routers here, 
but I don't know if it'll clear things up for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router#Function

Look for a router that allows "jumbo frames".  Ref. wikipedia, again:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumbo_frames

-- 
Rich