Hub vs.

Switch
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A Hub is a networking device that allows one to connect multiple PCs to a single network. Hubs
may be based on Ethernet, Firewire, or USB connections. A switch is a control unit that turns the
flow of electricity on or off in a circuit. It may also be used to route information patterns in
streaming electronic data sent over networks. In the context of a network, a switch is a computer
networking device that connects network segments.

Comparison chart
Hub versus Switch comparison chart
Hub Switch
Physical layer. Hubs are
classified as Layer 1 Data Link Layer. Network switches operate at
Layer
devices per the OSI Layer 2 of the OSI model.
model.
To connect a network of
personal computers
Allow to connect multiple device and port can be
Function together, they can be
manage, Vlan can create security also can apply
joined through a central
hub.
 Hub versus Switch comparison chart
Hub Switch
Data
Transmission Electrical signal or bits Frame (L2 Switch) Frame & Packet (L3 switch)
form
Ports 4/12 ports Switch is multi port Bridge. 24/48 ports
Hubs always perform
Transmission frame flooding; may be First broadcast; then unicast & multicast as
Type unicast, multicast or needed.
broadcast
Passive Device (Without Active Device (With Software) & Networking
Device Type
Software) device
Used in (LAN,
LAN LAN
MAN, WAN)
A network hub cannot Switches use content accessible memory CAM
Table learn or store MAC table which is typically accessed by ASIC
address. (Application Specific integrated chips).
Transmission
Half duplex Half/Full duplex
Mode
Broadcast Hub has one Broadcast Switch has one broadcast domain [unless VLAN
Domain Domain. implemented]
An electronic device that A network switch is a computer networking device
connects many network that is used to connect many devices together on a
Definition device together so that computer network. A switch is considered more
devices can exchange advanced than a hub because a switch will on send
data msg to device that needs or request it
Speed 10Mbps 10/100 Mbps, 1 Gbps
Address used for
Uses MAC address Uses MAC address
data tramsmission
Collisions occur
Collisions commonly in setups No collisions occur in a full-duplex switch.
using hubs.
Spanning-Tree No Spanning-Tree Many Spanning-tree Possible
Sun Systems, Oracle and
Manufacturers Cisco and D-link Juniper
Cisco