Difference Between Hub and Switch

Hubs and switches are two commonly used connectivity devices used in data transmission. However, many people are perplexed about whether these two devices are different or can be used at each other's places.  So, to help you out, let me tell you both of these networking devices are different and serve different purposes. The main difference between hub and switch is that a hub transmits data to all the connected devices, whereas a switch transmits data to particular devices connected to it based on the MAC addresses. 

Before we dive further and explore the difference between hub and switch in detail, let's first understand what are network devices in computer networks. A network device in a computer network is a device that connects fax machines, printers, and other electronic devices to the network. With the help of network devices, you can transfer data quickly, safely, and accurately across one or more networks. And if you are interested in learning about these network devices in detail, consider taking  Networking Online Courses & Certifications. These programs can help you understand how these devices function and interact within a network.

Table of Content (TOC)

• Difference Between Hub and Switch
• What is a Hub?
• Applications of Hub
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Hub
• What is a Switch?
• Applications of Switch
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Switch

• Key Differences Between Hub and Switch 

Difference Between Hub and Switch

There are various differences between hub and switch, and let’s explore them in a tabular format for better understanding.

What is a Hub?

Hub definition: A hub is a network device in a computer network where data from various directions converge and are then distributed to various devices. In lay terms, a hub is a device that allows various computers/PCs and other devices to connect to a single network.

A hub sends data packets to all network devices, regardless of whether the data packet contains any MAC addresses. A hub has many ports, and a computer that wants to connect to the network plugs into one of them. When a data frame arrives at a port, the hub broadcasts it to all other ports, regardless of whether it is destined for a specific destination.

There are two types of hubs, such as:

• Active hub: An active hub has its own power supply and can clean, improve, and relay network signals.
• Passive hub: A passive hub collects power from active hub devices and wiring from nodes. Aside from that, a hub sends signals into the network without cleaning or boosting them. 

Want to learn in detail about this connectivity device, explore: What is Hub in Computer Networks?

Applications of Hub

There are various applications of a hub, and some of the most important ones are:

• Hub is used to monitor networks.
• A hub can establish small home networks.
• A hub can provide connectivity in organizations
• Hub can create a device that is accessible from outside the network.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hub

Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of a hub: 

Must Explore: What are the Different Types of Network Topology?

What is a Switch?

Switch definition: A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices on a single computer network. 

You can use a switch to open or close a connection. When the switch is opened, a signal or power can pass through the connection. The flow is stopped, and the circuit connection is broken when the switch is closed.

A switch keeps a table of the addresses of the computers connected to it. When traffic passes through, the switch reads the address of the destination and routes it to the relevant computer rather than all connected computers. The traffic is routed to all connected computers if the destination address is not in the table.

There are four types of switches, such as:

• Manageable switch: As the name suggests, a manageable switch has a console port and an IP address that can be assigned and configured.
• Unmanageable switch: An unmanageable switch is a switch that cannot be configured as there is no console port; hence it is not possible to assign an IP address.
• LAN Switch: This switch connects devices in an organization’s internal LAN (Local Area Network). This switch allocates bandwidth so that data packets do not overlap in a network.
• PoE Switch: This type of switch is used in PoE (Power over Ethernet) Gigabit Ethernets. A PoE switch delivers greater flexibility and simplifies the cabling connections.

For more information regarding switches, you can also explore: What Is A Network Switch And Its Types.

Applications of Switch

There are various applications of a switch, and some of the most important ones are:

• The switch can create a virtual LAN.
• A switch maintains a MAC address table.
• A switch can also work as a multi-port bridge.
• Small office applications make extensive use of switches.
• A switch aids in the management of data flow across a network.
• A switch can be used to connect devices in a computer network physically.
• The switch can send data to any device in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Switch

Here are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of a switch: 

Key Differences Between Hub and Switch

Here are some of the key differences:

• A hub is a networking device that connects multiple PCs to a single network, whereas a Switch connects multiple devices on a single computer network.
• A hub operates on the OSI physical layer, whereas a switch operates on the OSI data link layer.
• The hub uses a half-duplex cable, whereas the switch uses a full-duplex cable.
• The switch is an active device, whereas the hub is a passive device.
• The switch employs the Spanning Tree Protocol to avoid switching loops. On the other hand, the hub cannot avoid switching loops.
• The hub shares the bandwidth between the ports. A switch, on the other hand, provides dedicated bandwidth to the ports.
• The number of ports connecting to the device is significantly greater in switches than in the hub.
• The hub’s data transmission speed is quite slow compared to a switch.
• A hub network device is difficult to hack, whereas a switch is easily hackable.
• A hub device is not so popular nowadays, whereas a switch is quite popular and widely used.
• The switch is an intelligent device that sends messages to selected destinations, whereas a hub sends messages to all ports.
• The hub has only one collision domain, but different ports have their own collision domain in a switch.

You can also explore: What is the Difference Between Internet and Intranet?

Conclusion

A hub forwards data packets to each connected computer. Assume four computers are linked to a hub, and two communicate. A hub will send data packets to all four computers. Switches, on the other hand, can determine the destination of each data packet and selectively route it to the computer that requires it.

Now that you have a fair idea about the difference between a hub and a switch, you can use these network devices more effectively. We hope this comparison on hub vs. switch was helpful.

Keep Learning!!

Recommended Reads