Difference Between Ethernet Hub vs Switch

Have you noticed that putting things in a group makes brings a level of simplicity and comprehension to the table? Take the library, for instance. Books are grouped in certain ways to make them easy to access and keep them organized. This is somewhat similar to computer networking.

There are different devices that can be used in this connection process. These devices may be similar, but they have different functions. In this post, we will give a detailed summary of the difference between ethernet hub and switch – their definitions, properties, and how they are different from one another.

Definition of Ethernet Hub

A hub is defined as a networking tool that consist of ports that serve the purpose of linking several computers to a particular system. Each port serves as the linking point between the network and a computer, and the medium through which information can be acknowledged and broadcasted to every other PC connected to the hub.

Every computer system connected to this device is not restricted concerning the information it receives. When a data frame is received at a particular port, it is broadcasted to every other system at the same time regardless of destination. Because of this, the ethernet hub is referred to as an unintelligent device.

The transmission mode used in this type of connection is known as half-duplex. This means that information can flow back and forth between two devices in a non-simultaneous manner. Compared to other methods of connecting personal computers, using the ethernet hub is the easiest and most affordable.

Note that with this type of connection, you would have to deal with unnecessary delays as a result of the half-duplex transmission process. You would also have to deal with insecurity of data since every data frame is broadcasted to every personal computer on the network.

Definition of Switch

A switch is defined as a layer networking device that can connect and various devices together to transmit detailed information to a particular destination within a single computer network.

One notable difference between switch and hub is that the former is an intelligent device that allows some level of discretion, unlike the latter. This means that it can differentiate between specific addresses by accessing them from a CAM table.

With this network, traffic can be regulated for better transmission – no spammy signals or unnecessary traffic, which makes it function at a faster rate. Fundamentally, it is more advanced than hubs because of its ability to send information to a particular address at a time using either half or full-duplex transmission mode.

Setting up this type of network costs quite a lot considering how efficient it is compared to the hub. It can also support a variety of other IP devices as is the case with internet networks. It can support more devices within a larger LAN, WAN, and VLAN.

Main Differences Between Ethernet Hub vs Switch

Comparing the ethernet hub vs switch descriptions, one can see how these two are similar. However, the dissimilarities are more than the similarities as we have shown. The table below is a summary of some ways these two are different from one another.

Difference Between Ethernet Hub and Switch: Conclusion

Understanding the hub vs switch comparison can help you not just to tell the difference between the two, but also to make the most appropriate decision. When setting up a computer network, the method you choose can make a difference in discretion, speed, and traffic.