When thinking about what type of Standard Hub you want to purchase, you need to think about what you will be doing with your network in the near future. Will you be adding many more devices to your network? If so, you need to make sure your hub can handle network expansion.

Standalone hubs are single products with a number of ports. Standalone hubs usually include some method of linking them to other standalone hubs for network expansion. Standalone hubs are usually the least expensive type of hub, and are best suited for small, independent workgroups, departments, or offices, typically with fewer than 12 users per LAN.

Stackable hubs work just like standalone hubs, except that several of them can be "stacked" (connected) together, usually by short lengths of cable. When they are connected together, they act like a modular hub, because they can be managed as a single unit. These hubs are ideal if you want to start with a minimal investment, but realise that your LAN will grow.

Stackable hubs can be used in one of three configurations.

• The first is a basic configuration to attach workstations to a server
  
• The second allows for higher speed LANs to connect to lower speed ones
  
• The third extends the distance over which workstations may communicate with a server
  

A user manual for a typical D-link hub (DFE-916DX) can be downloaded here.

Modular hubs are popular in networks because they are easily expanded and always have a management option. A modular hub is purchased as a chassis, or card cage, with multiple card slots, each of which accepts a communications card, or module. Each module acts like a standalone hub, and usually has 12 twisted pair ports. Modules supporting different types of network cabling, like coaxial or token ring, can also be purchased.

If you are building a home or small office network, you will probably want to purchase a standalone or stackable hub. For a medium to large sized company, a Modular hub will probably fit your needs more efficiently.