switch hub vs hub

In the previous article, I presented the Switch vs Router comparison. In this article, I am going to compare Switch vs Hub. Hus is another important device in networking. The earlier hub was used in place of the Switch. We can connect one or more computers, networked devices, or even other networks using a hub and switch. Each has two or more ports into which we can plug in the cables to make the connection. There are some differences between a switch and a hub.  People misuse the term hub, so let’s clarify what each means. In this article, I just compare both switch and hub.

Switch vs Hub

• Hub is working on Layer 1 ( physical layer), and Switch is working on a Datalink Layer and Network Layer. Switch is working on Layer 3, also known as multi-layer Switch.
• A hub is generally used to connect a personal computer network, but we can connect multiple devices using a switch. We can manage the switch’s ports and apply port security and bandwidth management. We can also create VLANs on a switch, which is impossible on the hub.
• The hub sends data in bits or electrical signals and then sends data in the shape of a frame ( Layer2 Switch) or Frame & Packet ( Layer3 Switch).
• Both switch and hub are available in a different number of ports. Additionally, the switch is also available in a modular ship and soft switch.
• Hubs always flood data to all ports, but the switch performs the first-time broadcast, then multicast, and finally, when storing all MAC addresses in the MAC table, data is sent using the unicast technique.
• Hub is a passive device without any software but the switch is an active device using software with a networking device.
• Hus is using only LAN but the switch is available everywhere in LAN, WAN, and MAN.
• The switch can learn and store MAC addresses but the hub can’t learn and store MAC addresses.
• The switch can transmit data in the full-duplex mode as well as in half-duplex mode but the hub can only transmit data in half-duplex mode.
• Hub has a single broadcast domain. The switch is also a single broadcast domain unless we create a VLAN on the switch.
• Hub is a single collision domain but switch each port is its own collision domain.
• The switch can run many spanning-tree protocols but the hub is working without spanning-tree protocol.
• Hubs are available only at 10Mbps and switches are available at 10/100/1000 Mbps.
• Hub and switch both use MAC addresses for data transmission.

FAQs

1. What’s the key difference between a switch and a hub?

• The primary difference is that a hub operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) while a switch operates at the data link and network layers (Layer 2 and Layer 3).

2. Can you explain the functional distinction between a switch and a hub?

• Certainly. A hub is a simple device used to connect personal computer networks, sending data as electrical signals. On the other hand, a switch is a more advanced device capable of connecting multiple devices, managing ports, applying security, and creating VLANs in addition to forwarding data in frames or packets.

3. What advantages does a switch offer over a hub in a network setup?

• A switch provides several advantages over a hub. It allows for port management, security features, bandwidth control, and the creation of VLANs, which a hub cannot do. Additionally, a switch can transmit data in full-duplex mode, while a hub can only operate in half-duplex mode.

4. What are the key features of a hub and a switch in terms of network domains?

• A hub has a single broadcast domain and a single collision domain. In contrast, a switch typically has a single broadcast domain, which can be divided into multiple VLANs, and each port acts as its own collision domain.

5. Can you clarify the role of MAC addresses in switches and hubs?

• Both switches and hubs use MAC addresses for data transmission. However, a switch can learn and store MAC addresses to make more efficient data forwarding decisions, while a hub cannot.

6. In which types of networks are hubs and switches commonly used?

• Hubs are predominantly used in LANs, while switches are versatile and found in LANs, WANs, and MANs. Switches offer greater adaptability for various network types.

7. How do hubs and switches differ in terms of data transmission modes?

• Hubs can only transmit data in half-duplex mode, meaning they can send or receive data, but not both simultaneously. Switches, on the other hand, can transmit data in both full-duplex and half-duplex modes, allowing for more efficient data communication.

8. Do hubs and switches have any similarities?

• Yes, both hubs and switches use MAC addresses for data transmission. They also come in various configurations with different numbers of ports, and switches may even have modular and soft switch options.

9. What is the role of spanning-tree protocols in switches and hubs?

• Hubs do not use spanning-tree protocols, but switches can run multiple spanning-tree protocols to prevent loops in the network and ensure efficient data forwarding.

10. Are there any speed differences between hubs and switches?

• Yes, hubs are typically available only at 10Mbps, while switches come in various speed options, including 10/100/1000 Mbps, providing greater flexibility and performance in network setups.