Hub and Switch are network devices used to establish connections between computers. In general, the concepts of Hub and Switch are often confused. These two concepts are different. Hubs are generally devices used to connect segments of a LAN network. A hub has multiple connection ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it is copied to the other ports, so all LAN segments can see all the packets.
In a network, if a data packet is sent, hubs send it to all computers. The computer that is supposed to receive the data checks if it is addressed to it. If yes, it receives it. Because it distributes data to the entire network, network traffic is high, and performance is low.
The hub distributes the network bandwidth equally among connected devices. If a network with 5 devices has a bandwidth of 100 Mbps, each device will have a bandwidth of 20 Mbps. For this reason, it is not used in large networks that require high bandwidth and performance.
Hub devices are divided into two categories: active and passive. An active hub amplifies the received signal before transmitting it further. A passive hub transmits the signal directly to devices on the network. For this reason, the active hub is used to compensate for signal losses over long distances.
What are the differences between Switch and Hub?
Switch and hub are two concepts often confused. The differences between switch and hub are listed below;
The hub is an old technology, while the switch is a new technology that meets current requirements.
The hub cannot be programmed, the switch has a programmable structure.
The hub is cheap, the switch is a more expensive device.
The hub uses broadcast communication, the switch uses switching method.
The hub shares bandwidth among all devices, in the switch speed is not shared.
The hub operates in half-duplex mode, the switch in full-duplex.
Hub devices have a low level of security. The switch is more secure.
Switch technology encrypts and sends each information on a separate channel. It transfers data only to the requested computers. It prepares a separate path for devices connected to its ports. The hub, on the other hand, sends information to all connected devices.
