An Ethernet hub is a piece of hardware that connects multiple computers or devices in order to form a network. An Ethernet hub is outdated and has been replaced by a network switch. There are still some special cases where a hub is advantageous to a switch, although none of the reasons to use a hub instead of a switch pertain to a typical network. An Ethernet hub usually uses the RJ-45 connector on an Ethernet CAT5 cable, although they can also use other legacy (old) connectors. You don’t need to worry about specifics because the typical network cable is a CAT5 with an RJ-45 connector. Simply plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of your computer and the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port of the hub. An Ethernet hub typically has 4 or 5 Ethernet ports. But you can also find Ethernet hubs with 6, 8, or 16 Ethernet ports. You can also connect an Ethernet hub to other hubs, routers, and switches.

A hub is a relatively simple device. A hub receives a signal from a computer on the network and re-broadcasts that signal to all other computers and components attached to the hub. Because all signals sent to the router are rebroadcast to all ports on the router you have the potential for a data collision. This is where a computer is trying to send an outgoing signal during an incoming signal. A hub is able to detect data collisions on the network and then broadcast a jam signal to all ports on the network. Due to these data collisions the number of hubs attached to one another is limited. For a 10 megabit a second network speed you can attach up to 4 hubs to each other and only 2 hubs can be connected for a 100 megabit a second network speed.

In addition to detecting collisions some hubs are able to troubleshoot network problems. These hubs can detect if a particular port has excessive collisions or jabbering. Advanced hubs are able to disconnect these bad ports from the rest of the hub. When using a hub the speed of the network is limited by the slowest device connected to the hub. For example if an old computer with a 10 megabit per second network adapter is connected to a 10/100 megabit per second hub the entire network’s speed will be 10 megabits per second. Dual speed hubs overcome this problem and function at 10 and 100 megabits per second.

Tags : Computers & Technology, Ethernet hubs, Network

The first set of skills that a good life skills curriculum should teach are social skills. It is essential that people learn how to competently communicate with others. This can include talking, writing, use of body language or any other way. Regardless of how it is done the bottom line is that people need to know how to get along with each other.

Financial literacy skills are also extremely important. In today’s age it is vital we prepare this generation with practical financial literacy skills before they leave home. Money is a necessary and significant part of life, so by learning these skills young people are better prepared to enter adult life. If people don’t know to manage their finances they probably will experience a lot of issues later in life. You should focus on a practical financial literacy skill sets that they will use. Teaching financial literacy skills as a part of life skills curriculum is a vital component that affects many areas of their lives. Helping them achieve a level of financial comfort will help them be healthier, happier, have better relationship and be more involved in the community. The very core of a life skills curriculum should be the teaching of practical money management strategies.

Another important skill set in an effective life skills curriculum is relationships. The ability to form and maintain relationships affect every aspect of our life from business to personal. Most people will learn these on their own but as you can see from the record high divorce rate this is something that needs to be taught. In this day and age, we must share with the younger generation the traits that people in successful relationships have in common. People should be aware of these for there is only one chance for them to learn before they permanently hurt themselves or others.

When choosing a life skills curriculum make sure it includes the three steps mentioned above. You also want to make sure it is engaging and entertaining so the students or your children remember and internalize the information taught. This can be one of the most important subjects you provide today’s youth since it will have both a long lasting and positive impact on their lives and the lives of those they love.

Tags : Financial Literacy Skills, Life Skills Curriculum, Management Strategies