Pros
- Inexpensive
- No need to buy a second Internet Address
Cons
- Hubs are in effect "repeaters". Whatever is destined
for one computer gets sent to the other computer as well. Hence
during periods of heavy simultaneous internet access, there is
a noticeable impact on internet access speeds, since information
is duplicated at the hub, whether there is a requirement for
it or not.
- With Proxy software, all the data
destined for computer #2, must first be sent to computer #1.
Computer #1's proxy software will then sort out which data was
destined for computer #2 and then resend it. However, because
of the way hubs work, the original data is by design sent to
both computers anyway. Hence traffic between computers is double
what it would be in Method #1 (original data + resent data),
and effective speeds halved (instead of receiving new data, the
2nd computer is still receiving a copy of the original data from
computer #1) - even with the most efficient proxy software.
- The cost of the Proxy software. Though less expensive than
purchasing a second Internet Address, it is still more expensive
than going with a dual homed computer (Method #3).
- The complexity of the Proxy software.
Though easy for people versed in the intricacies of networks,
it can be a little daunting for people not schooled in such esoteric
subjects.
- Some special configuring of email, proxy
and DNS servers settings required.
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