Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Hub, Switch, Router? Anyone?

The Ethernet architecture is able to utilize several different networking devices to interconnect computers. So, I decided to look for more information to help me get a better understanding of how to choose the best device for a network . I discovered a great informative video on PieterExplainsTech's YouTube channel, called "Hub, Switch or Router? Network Devices Explained".


After watching the video I learned that:
a. If you need to connect Ethernet networks to outside networks to use a router
b. Connecting the uplink port of a switch to a router allows you access to other networks
c. Avoid using hubs because they waste bandwidth
d. A switch is the rebirth of a hub that uses ARP to efficiently route packets  

FYI PieterExplainsTech's YouTube channel has other networking videos available for your viewing pleasure.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

My Premature Take on SlingTV

No I have not used the SlingTV service yet, but I am totally excited that networks are finally offering internet-based TV packages that cater to the individual. The price is enticing too, $20 per month. Most of the channels offered like TNT, ESPN and TBS are already available for live stream with paid subscriptions through many cable service providers. So, those networks have not made any drastic changes to the way they deliver their content. Although, there are only a few networks available, I am hopeful that more will be available in the future. Can we all say "Networks a la carte ooo la la"? Check it out for yourself at SlingTV.