Back to overview

Hub Vs Unmanaged Switch Vs Managed

Switch
Whats the difference between a hub, an unmanaged switch
and a managed switch?
Hubs transmit all data out all connected ports. Switches automatically learn the network layout
and then only transmit data where it needs to go, making the network more efficient. Managed
switches add an additional level of configuration and monitoring capability to a network.
Ethernet networks are created with many point-to point connections, and infrastructure devices
such as hubs and switches are used to connect the devices.
There is often some confusion between Ethernet switches and hubs. Hubs essentially act like an
extension cord on the network. All incoming messages are retransmitted out the ports to every
device. Each device sees messages for all other devices, regardless of the intended destination.
The unnecessary traffic can slow the network and cause widely varying response times
(nondeterministic) due to message collisions.
Ethernet switches, both unmanaged and managed, avoid collisions by routing messages to only
the intended devices. When a switch receives an Ethernet message (packet), it reads the address
of the device for which the message is intended, and then transmits the message out of only the
port to which that device is connected (even if it is connected through several other switches).
Unmanaged switches are the lowest cost and provide this basic switching functionality. They do
not need an IP address, and do not feature web page or SNMP management or any other
advanced functions.
Managed switches have built-in web pages that can be accessed by a standard web browser for
custom configuration. In addition, managed switches offer IT compatibility for configuration and
monitoring via SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and support Rapid Spanning
Tree Protocol (RSTP) to allow creation of robust redundant and self-healing network
connections between corporate networks and the factory floor. Of particular importance to
applications like Ethernet/IP, support for IGMP Snooping & Query protocols provide multicast
filtering to avoid end device overload. In addition to these managed functions, some managed
switches also provide support for additional managed features such as Fast Ring high-speed
redundancy, VLAN, Port Security, etc.

Difference between a network hub, switch, and router?

There are three main devices that work to connect

one computer to another computer. A network hub, switch, and router can all perform this
function. It can sometimes be confusing when trying to figure out what device is currently being
used on a computer network, without knowing what each device does.
Network Hub

A network hub is designed to connect computers to each other with no real understanding of
what it is transferring. Typically, a network hub is used for a private network, one that does not
have any connections to sources other than local computers (meaning, no Internet access). When
a hub receives a packet of data from a connected device, it broadcasts that data packet to all other
connected devices regardless of which one ends up being the final destination. Additionally,
network bandwidth is split between all of the connected computers. So, the more computer that
are connected, the less bandwidth that is available for each computer, which means slower
connection speeds.
In the past network switches and routers were expensive, confusing, and hard to use for most
users and most opted for network hubs. Today, home network switches and routers are much
easier to use and cheaper, which is why network hubs are rarely used or found anymore.
Network Switch

A network switch also connects computers to each

other, like a hub. Where the switch differs from a hub is in the way it handles packets of data.
When a switch receives a packet of data, it determines what computer or device the packet is
intended for and sends it to that computer only. It does not broadcast the packet to all computers
as a hub does which means bandwidth is not shared and makes the network much more efficient.
For this reason alone, switches are usually preferred over a hub.
Network Router

A network router is quite different from a switch or hub since its primary function is to route data
packets to other networks, instead of just the local computers. A router is quite common to find
in homes and businesses since it allows your network to communicate with other networks
including the Internet. Essentially, a router bridges the gap between other networks and gives
your network access to more features, e.g. a firewall, QoS, traffic monitoring, VPN, and more.
Ok, but what should I buy a network hub, switch, or router?

This question really depends on how you plan on using your network. For most users, a wireless
network router is our recommendation. A wireless router allows wireless devices (e.g. your
smartphone, tablet, wireless laptop) to connect to your network and because it is a router it also
allows all devices to connect to the Internet.
If cost is a concern and you only want to connect a few computer to each other, a switch is the
ideal solution since they are cheaper than a router.
In some situations you may need more than one router or switch. In a big area such as an office
you may need a router to connect all computers to the Internet or other network. Using other
routers, switches, and access points allows you to connect other parts of a building to the same
network.

Comparison chart

Used for
Function
Used in (LAN,
MAN, WAN)
Transmission
Type
Data
Transmission
form
Layer
Ports
Device Type
Table

Router versus Switch comparison chart

Router
Switch
Connecting two or more nodes in the
Connecting two or more networks
same network or different network
Directs data in a network. Passes
Allow to connect multiple device and
data between home computers, and port can be manage, Vlan can create
between computers and the modem. security also can apply
LAN, WAN

LAN

At Initial Level Broadcast then Uni- First broadcast; then unicast & multicast
cast & Multicast
as needed.
Packet

Frame (L2 Switch) Frame & Packet (L3

switch)

Data Link Layer. Network switches

operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
2/4/8
Switch is multi port Bridge. 24/48 ports
Active Device (With Software) &
Networking device
Networking device
Switches use content accessible memory
Store IP address in Routing table and CAM table which is typically accessed
maintain address at its own.
by ASIC (Application Specific integrated
chips).
Network Layer (Layer 3 devices)

Transmission
Full duplex
Half/Full duplex
Mode
Broadcast
In Router, every port has its own
Switch has one broadcast domain [unless
Domain
Broadcast domain.
VLAN implemented]
A router is a networking device that A network switch is a computer
connects a local network to other
networking device that is used to connect
local networks. At the Distribution many devices together on a computer
Definition
Layer of the network, routers direct network. A switch is considered more
traffic and perform other functions advanced than a hub because a switch
critical to efficient network
will on send msg to device that needs or
operation.
request it
Device Category Intelligent Device
Intelligent Device
Bandwidth Bandwidth sharing is Dynamic
There is no sharing port can be 10, 100,
sharing
(Enables either static or dynamic
1000 and 10000 Mbps individual
bandwidth sharing for modular cable
interfaces. The default percent-value
is 0. The percent-value range is 1-

Router versus Switch comparison chart

Router
Speed

96.)
1-10 Mbps (Wireless); 100 Mbps
(Wired)

Routing
Take faster routing decisions
Decision
NAT (Network
Address
Routers can perform NAT
Translation)
In a different network environment
Faster
(MAN/ WAN), a router is faster than
an L3 switch.
Firewall VPN Dynamic hadling of
Features
Bandwidth
Examples

Linksys WRT54GL Juniper MX &

EX series Cisco 3900, 2900, 1900

Address used
for data
Uses IP address
tramsmission

Switch

10/100 Mbps, 1 Gbps

Take more time for complicated routing
decisions
Switches cannot perform NAT
In a LAN environment, an L3 switch is
faster than a router (built in switching
hardware)
Priority rt range On/Off setting of port
VLAN Port mirroring
Alcatel's OmniSwitch 9000; Cisco
Catalyst switch 4500 and 6500 (10
Gbps)
Uses MAC address