What is the difference between a hub and a switch?

A network hub shares the total available bandwidth between all connected users, whereas a switch provides full bandwidth between every two devices that are transmitting to one another. Obviously, a switch is going to be faster, even if you don't go gigabit.

What is the difference between a switch and a router?

Basically, a router is a switch that has a lot of other functions built in. Most noticeable are the DHCP functionality, built-in firewall, port forwarding, and so forth. Most, if not all of these functions are NOT needed for a regular lan party. They may even get in the way. Unless you need to use DHCP, just stick with a good quality switch.

What is DHCP? Is it ok for a lan party?

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Basically what this does is dynamically assign an IP address to any and/or all devices plugged into the network. If you're not using a router you'll probably need to assign static IP's instead.

Can I use wireless?

Technically there is no reason why you can't (as long as you have a compatible switch / router), but I personally still like to have a physical connection. As far as wireless has come, a cable still seems to be more reliable. Again, the last thing you want at a lan party is lag.

Power Strip or Surge Protector?

A powerstrip merely takes a single outlet, and expands it into multiple outlets. A surge protector not only provides you with multiple outlets, but it also protects you from power surges.

The way to easily tell the difference is to see if the device you are looking at has a joule rating. If it does, it is a surge protector. The joule rating basically tells you how much protection you have from surges. The higher the better.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a single computer on the network that's sole purpose is to host a game that other people can join.

A dedicated server can be beneficial to a game because it does not need to render graphics. Instead, this server just processes data. Because of this, the amount of possible lag is severely reduced. That being said, dont bother putting a good graphics card in a dedicated server. Instead, I would recommend spending that money on more RAM or a better CPU.

What is a Listening Server?

A listening server hosts a game on a network for people to play, and also allows the computer to be used as one of the players. Obviously, this means it will have to render graphics and process the local user's input, as well as process everyone else's. This can result in more lag.

What does a game mean by 'Pure Server'?

When hosting a game, you may see an option to set 'Pure Server' on/off or enable/disable. What this does is check everyone's game files before allowing them into the game. This technically would prevent anyone from modifying files for their benefit, but it can also prevent your friends from joining a game successfully.

My advice: If you are having a small lan party and know everyone, don't bother turning on / enabling the 'Pure Server' option. It can only be a hinderance. If someone does end up cheating, then walk over to their computer dump a can of Mountain Dew into it.

What is an uplink port?

Older hubs and switches may have a port labeled as "uplink". This port is designed to connect two hubs/switches together. You do this using a standard network cable (not a crossover). Just plug one end of the cable to the uplink port on one hub/switch, and plug the other end into a standard NON uplink port on the other.

Don't connect both hubs/switches together using only uplink ports! Use an uplink port on one, and a standard port on the other.