IOGear GHPB32W4 - Manual (Page 27)

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Network Configuration
Can I use both in the same network?
Yes. It is perfectly right to have both nodes and bridges on a network as long the maximum is not
exceeded. It is also fine to have USB nodes on the same network with Ethernet nodes.
How do I decide whether I need a USB adapter or Ethernet bridge as a node?
It should be determined by the available connection on the computer that you plan to connect to the
HomePlug network. If the computer comes with a 10/100 Base-T network card, use the bridge; if the
computer comes with USB port, use the USB adapter. If the computer comes with both, you can
decide which one to use based upon your unique situation.
For Macintosh and other non-Windows based computers, the Ethernet Bridge is the only choice.
HomePlug Network Topologies
There are various ways to connect your computers via HomePlug. If all HomePlug units are used as nodes,
the topology is usually BUS. If bridges are used to connect two networks together, there maybe both BUS
and STAR. The following are several examples.