Hub vs Switch | difference between hub and switch
This page on hub vs switch describes difference between hub and switch networking devices.
Hub
A Network Hub also called repeater is fairly un-sophisticated broadcast device. The Hub devices do not manage traffic passing through them. They simply broadcast the packet out to all the ports except the port of entry.
As mentioned, since every packet is broadcasted to all the other ports,packet collisions occur which significantly reduces the network performance and impedes the flow of traffic smoothly.
Refer Hub basics and Hub types➤➤
Switch
A network switch checks the packet coming in and forwards it to the appropriate destination port.
They do not broadcast to all the ports/nodes as done by hub. Hence chances of packet collision is avoided and hence network
performance can be improved.
Refer functions of both switch and router➤.
Following table mentions difference between hub and switch devices.
| Hub | Switch |
|---|---|
| As mentioned transfers data to all the ports which are connected | As mentioned transfers data onto to port where it is addressed |
| Operates at layer-1(physical layer) of OSI model | Operates at layer-2(data link) or layer-3(network layer) of OSI model |
| Hubs are interfaced with the system in half duplex mode | Switches are intefaced with the system in full duplex mode |
| cheaper than switches | costlier compare to hubs |
| Hubs are available with number of ports in the range from 4 to 24 | Switches are available with number of ports in the range from 4 to 48 |
Networking related links
Basics of OSI and TCPIP layers
Networking Gateway
What is Router
What is an IP address
network switch
network bridge
Hub and Types of Hub
What is MAC address
What is Difference between
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