I want a switch since everyone says they are so much better than a hub, and since I will start sharing folders on my "server ... as he was making a difference between a switch and a repeater.< ...

The difference between a switch and a router fundamentally comes down to scale. A switch connects devices—computers, printers, and wireless access points, for example, that each have an IP ...

we’ll attempt to clarify the difference between the modem, router and switch, and how it all fits in your home network. A modem is the short way of saying “modulator, demodulator”.