Week 8 Difference Between Hub, Switches & Routers PDF

Difference between Hub, Switch and Router In computer network it is very important to understand the difference between devices like hubs, switches, and routers. These devices play an important role in how data is transferred across networks, affecting everything from speed and efficiency to securit...

Difference between Hub, Switch and Router In computer network it is very important to understand the difference between devices like hubs, switches, and routers. These devices play an important role in how data is transferred across networks, affecting everything from speed and efficiency to security. In this article we will see basic differences between these devices, how they work within the OSI model, and where their use cases are applicable. What is Hub? A Hub is just a connector that connects the wires coming from different sides. There is no signal processing or regeneration. It is an electronic device that operates only on physical layers of the OSI model. It is also known as a repeater as it transmits signal to every port except the port from where signal is received. Also, hubs are not that intelligent in communication and processing information for 2nd and 3rd layer. What is Switch? Switch is a point to point communication device. It operates at the data link layer of OSI model. It uses switching table to find out the correct destination. Basically, it is a kind of bridge that provides better connections. It is a kind of device that set up and stop the connections according to the requirements needed at that time. It comes up with many features such as flooding, filtering and frame transmission. What is Router? Routers are the multiport devices and more sophisticated as compared to repeaters and bridges. It contains a routing table that enables it to make decision about the route i.e. to determine which of several possible paths between the source and destination is the best for a particular transmission. It works on the network layer 3 and used in LANs, MANs and WANs. It stores IP address and maintains address on its own. Difference between Hub, Switch and Router Hub Switch Router Hub is a physical Switch is a data link layer device Router is a network layer layer device i.e. i.e. layer 2. device i.e. layer 3. layer 1. A Hub works on the Switch works on the basis of A router works on the basis basis of MAC address. of IP address. broadcasting. A Hub is a multiport A Switch is a tele- A router reads the header of repeater in which a communication device which incoming packet and signal introduced at receives a message from any forward it to the port for the input of any port device connected to it and then which it is intended there by appears at the output transmits the message only to the determines the route. It can of the all available device for which the message is also perform filtering and ports. intended. encapsulation. A route is more sophisticated and intelligent Hub is not an device as it can read IP A Switch is an intelligent device intelligent device address and direct the as it passes on the message to the that may include packets to another network selective device by inspecting the amplifier on with specified IP address. address. repeater. Moreover routers can built address tables that helps in routing decisions. At least single At least single network is required Router needs at least two network is required to connect. networks to connect.  Hub Switch Router to connect. Hub is cheaper as Router is a relatively much Switch is an expensive device compared to switch more expensive device than than hub. and router. hub and switch. Speed of original maximum speed for hub 10Mbps and maximum speed is 10Mbps to wireless is 1-10 Mbps and modern internet hub 100Mbps. maximum speed for wired is 100Mbps. connections is 100 Mbps. Hubs are used in Routers are used in LANs, Switch is used in LANs. LANs. MANs and WANs.