What's the difference between a hub and a switch?

A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network, while a switch sends data only to the intended recipient.

A hub and a switch are both devices used in a network to connect computers and other devices together. However, they operate in fundamentally different ways. A hub is a simpler device that functions as a common connection point for devices in a network. It broadcasts all data to every device on the network, regardless of the intended recipient. This can lead to data collisions and a general decrease in network efficiency, especially as the number of devices on the network increases.

On the other hand, a switch is a more intelligent device. It maintains a table of the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of all devices connected to it. When it receives data, it examines the destination MAC address and sends the data only to the device with that address. This targeted approach avoids unnecessary data traffic and collisions, making the network more efficient.

In terms of performance, switches are generally faster than hubs because they reduce the amount of unnecessary traffic. They also provide better security because data is not simply broadcast to all devices. However, switches are more complex and therefore more expensive than hubs.

In summary, while both hubs and switches serve the purpose of connecting devices in a network, they do so in different ways. Hubs simply broadcast all data to all devices, while switches use a more targeted approach, sending data only to the intended recipient. This makes switches more efficient and secure, but also more complex and expensive.