What is a Hub?
Before knowing about the difference between hub and switch we will see a brief introduction to the hub. A Hub is a device that allows multiple computers/PCs to connect to a single network. This device is used to connect segments of a LAN. A hub carries various ports so that when a packet/connection arrives at one port, that connection gets copied to various other ports. This device works as a common connection point for connecting devices in a given network. Hub has a speed up to 10Mbps.
There are two types of Hub: Active Hub and Passive Hub
Active hub: This is a kind of hub which have its own power supply. Active Hub can clean, improve, and relay the signal to the network.
Passive Hub: It is a kind of Hub that collects power supply from the active hub devices and wiring from nodes. It relays signals into the network without cleaning and boosting the signals.
An example of a Hub is a USB hub, that allows multiple USB devices to connect to a single computer.
What is a Switch?
The switch is a network device that is used to enable and establish the connection also it creates connection termination on the basis of requirements. This device is operated on the Datalink layer. In Switch packet/connection filtering is available. This is a type of device that has a full-duplex transmission mode. The switch is also called an efficient bridge. It connects several devices together on a single network and transmits the information. Its speed can be 10/100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps
There are two types of Switch: Manageable Switches and Unmanageable Switches
Manageable Switches: These switches have a console port and IP address, that can be assigned and configured.
Unmanageable Switches: On these switches, configuration can’t be made. As there is no console port, It is impossible to assign an IP address on Unmanageable Switches.
Examples of Switch are ‘NETGEAR’ 5 port switch and a scissor-switch that is used with laptop computers.
What are the Differences Between Hub and Switch?
As we have seen a brief introduction about Hub and Switch devices. We will now explore the difference between Hub and Switch devices. The major differences between these two devices are explained in the table provided below:
Difference Between Hub and Switch | |
Hub | Switch |
The Hub device is operated on the Physical layer of the OSI model. | While the switch device is operated on the Data link layer of the OSI Model. |
This transmission is a broadcast type transmission. | This transmission is a Unicast, multicast and broadcast-type transmission. |
It has 4/12 ports. | While switch can have 24 to 48 ports. |
There is only one collision domain in Hub. | Different ports have their own collision domain. |
It is a half-duplex transmission mode. | It is a full-duplex transmission mode. |
Packet filtering is not provided in Hub. | Packet filtering is provided in the switch. |
Hub device cannot be used as a repeater. | A switch device can be used as a repeater. |
Hub is basically not an intelligent device as It sends messages to all ports. Due to this, it is comparatively inexpensive. | The switch device is an intelligent device as it sends messages to selected destinations. Due to this, it is expensive. |
It is simply an old type of device and nowadays is not generally used. | It is a very sophisticated device and nowadays widely used. |
Hacking of systems attached to these devices is complex. | The hacking of systems attached to these devices is a little easy. |
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