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Introduction
Hub and Switch are both network-connected devices used to connect various devices within networks. We will discuss their differences and specifics.
Hubs are the basic network devices that function on the Physical Layer and do not provide addressing or packet filtering functions. They simply send messages to each of the connected devices.
Switches, on the contrary, work in the Data Link Layer to connect various devices within networks. They are used to transferring data packets between different network devices like servers and routers.
Go through this article to learn more about switches and hubs and how they differ.
What is the Meaning of a Hub?
A hub is a network device that transmits the signal to all ports (except the one port) to determine the port to the signal received. Also, the hub operates on the Physical Layer. This means that packet filtering isn’t possible in Hub. It comes in two varieties of hubs: Passive Hub and Active Hub.
What is the Meaning of a Switch?
The Switch is a device for network connections used to facilitate the connection to be established and terminated based on demand. The Switch is operated by Layer 3 of the Data Link. This is where packet filtering is accessible. It’s a full-duplex transmission and is also referred to as an efficient bridge while exchanging data packets.
What is the Difference Between Hub and Switch?
| Hub | Switch |
| It is a network device that lets you connect several PCs together on one network. | In contrast, a Switch is a device that connects various devices within the same computer network. |
| Hub uses a Half-duplex cable. | Switch uses Full-duplex cables. |
| Hubs operate on the physical layer. | Switch operates on a Data Link Layer. |
| The Hub device is passive. | A switch is an active device. |
| Hub uses electronic signal orbits. | Switch uses packet and frame. |
| Hubs function with the aid of broadcast models. | The reduced traffic on networks is put in the right place by a switch in the process of sending messages. This is why switches function more efficiently than hubs, particularly in contrast to busy networks. |
Connectivity With Hubs and Switches
Networking hubs with Ethernet, FireWire, USB, and Wireless connections are available. The most popular of them is Ethernet, which requires a separate network card to be installed on the PC and an Ethernet connection integrated into the motherboard.
Switches are also accessible for networks using Ethernet, FireWire, USB, and Wireless/simple switches such as an on/off button can be used to manage massive computer networks.
Like hubs, Ethernet switch implementation is the most popular. Most Ethernet network switches are compatible with either 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 10/100 Mbps Ethernet standards. However, hubs have a variety of ports that can each take the network cable. The larger hubs have 8, 12, 16, and in a few cases, even 24 ports.
The Function of a Switch vs. Hub
A switch helps connect different networks. The network switch is a tiny device in the hardware that connects many computers in one Local Area Network (LAN).
A Hub connects several Ethernet devices and acts as an entire segment.
Both, Hub and Switch are network-connected devices. Hubs are the basic network devices that function at the physical layer and are used to transfer data packets to the connected devices without filtering.
A Switch keeps in the loop all MAC addresses for all devices connected to it. Consequently, it can determine which device or system is connected to which port. When an information packet is received, the Switch can determine the port to which it needs to be delivered.
