Hub vs Switch: What's the Difference?
Hub vs Switch, are you confused? Do you find yourself wondering whether switches or hubs are better for your networking needs? You're not alone. Hubs and Switches are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two very different devices. In this article, we'll explore the differences between switches and hubs to help you determine which one is the right choice for your network. So, let's dive into the world of Switch vs Hub.
What is a network hub？
Definition of hub in networking
An Ethernet hub is a networking device that consists of multiple ports, with each port connected to a single Ethernet cable.
A network hub is a networking device that operates on the physical layer, the first layer of the OSI model. Unlike switches that operate in the data link layer, hubs connect multiple devices that send and receive data through it. It is a multiport repeater that comes in different variants, such as 4, 8, and 16 port hubs, and offers add-on functionalities, such as indicating any issues with the device. Acting as a central connection among all network equipment, ethernet hubs handle a data type called frames and allow forwarding of data between connected devices. A hub may be based on Ethernet, Firewire, or USB connections.
What does a hub do in a network？
The hub operates as a passive conduit, receiving data signals from a device on one port and broadcasting them out to all other ports except the source port. It does not analyze or manipulate the data, and lacks the ability to identify specific frames or determine where to forward them, unlike switches which maintain a table for this purpose. As a result, network traffic can become congested and performance may suffer, with only one device able to transmit at any given moment.
The Ethernet hubs device follow these basic steps:
Data transmission
When a device on the network wants to send data to another device, it sends the data to the hub.
Broadcasting
Network hub broadcasts the data to all other devices connected to it by transmitting the data out on all of its ports.
Data reception
The receiving device receives the data from the hub and processes it.
Data collision
If two or more devices attempt to send data to the hub at the same time, their data will collide and none of the devices will be able to receive the data.
Advantages of an Ethernet hub
Curious about the benefits of hubs? The main benefits of hubs are the following 5 points
Connectivity
The primary purpose of a hub is to facilitate network connectivity, allowing clients to connect and communicate with each other. Hubs utilize network protocol analyzers to enable this functionality.
Device Support
Ethernet hubs have the capability to connect different types of media simultaneously through a central hub. Even if the connected devices operate at different speeds, hubs can accommodate and support them.
Performance
Hubs are known for their minimal impact on network performance. This is due to their broadcast model of operation, which has a limited effect on the overall network.
Area Coverage
The coverage area of a network is often limited by distance. However, a network hub can extend the reach of the network, making communication across larger areas more accessible and convenient.
Cost
Compared to switches, hubs are significantly more affordable. This is primarily due to their simpler design. As a result, using hubs can help save costs, and they are widely available in the market.
Limitation of hubs
The following points are disadvantages of a hub
Collision Domain
The collision domain in hub-based networks is prone to collisions, which can disrupt packet transfers and lead to decreased network efficiency.
Half-Duplex Mode
Network hubs are limited to operating in half-duplex mode and cannot support full-duplex communication. In half-duplex mode, data can be transmitted in only one direction at a time, requiring the hub to constantly switch between transmit and receive modes.
Specification
A hub is not suitable for large networks such as token ring networks, as they need to share data among all connected devices. This limitation restricts their compatibility with certain network specifications.
Network Traffic
Hubs contribute to higher network traffic due to their broadcast nature. When a packet is received, it is broadcasted to all connected devices, resulting in increased network congestion.
Bandwidth Wastage
Ethernet hubs do not provide dedicated bandwidth for each device, leading to shared bandwidth among connected devices. When large amounts of data are transmitted, the available bandwidth can become occupied by a few devices, causing slower network speeds for other devices.