Disadvantages of Network Hubs: Active vs Passive

Study Notes

Network Hubs

Hubs do not significantly impact network performance, but have notable disadvantages including:
- Inability to filter information efficiently.
- Lack of ability to reduce network traffic.
- Data is broadcasted to all ports.

Types of Network Hubs

Active Hub:
- Equipped with its own power supply.
- Cleans, amplifies, and transmits signals, acting as a wiring center and repeater.
- Essential for extending distances between nodes.
Passive Hub:
- Does not have a power supply; simply collects wiring.
- Transmits signals without enhancement or cleaning, unsuitable for long-distance connections.

Repeaters

Function to reproduce incoming signals before they weaken or become damaged.
Repeater does not amplify signals but reproduces them at their original strength.
Operates as a two-port device, with one port for incoming and another for outgoing signals.
Effective in environments like office buildings and schools where single routers can't cover the area.

Bridges

Bridges connect multiple network segments, storing and transmitting frames between them.
Allow connection of two physical local area networks into a wider logical network.
Bridges reduce data collisions and traffic through minor segmentation.
Types of Bridges:
- Transparent Bridge: Connects LANs using the same protocols.
- Translation Bridge: Joins LANs with different protocols.
Maintain a MAC address lookup table to determine whether to forward or discard frames.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bridges

Advantages:
- Minimize data collisions.
- Decrease network traffic through segmentation.
- Can connect different types of networks with varying cabling.
Disadvantages:
- Typically more expensive than repeaters.
- Slower operation compared to repeaters due to the filtering process involved.

Routers

Routers are devices that receive, analyze, and forward incoming packets to targeted networks.
They determine the target IP address for packets and route them accordingly.
Utilize a routing table to identify the quickest and most efficient paths for packet delivery.
Routing tables can be of various types, aiding in effective network traffic management.

Description

Explore the disadvantages of network hubs, including the inability to filter information and reduce network traffic. Learn about the classification of network hubs into active hubs, which have their own power supply and serve as signal repeaters.