What is a Switch?
A network switch is a computer networking device that connects various devices together on a single computer network. It may also be used to route information in the form of electronic data sent over networks. Since the process of linking network segments is also called bridging, switches are usually referred to as bridging devices.
Types of HUB
Here are two types of Hub:
Active Hub:- Active hub is a kind of hub which have their own power supply. It can clean, improve, and relay the signal along with the network. It works as a repeater as well as a wiring center. They are also used as an extension for two or more nodes.
Passive Hub: This type of hub collects power supply from the active hub and wiring from nodes. Passive hubs relay signals into the network without cleaning and boosting them. It can’t be used to extend the distance between nodes.
Types of Switch
Manageable Switches: Manageable switch has a console port and IP address, which can be assigned and configured.
Unmanageable Switches: On an Unmanageable switch, configuration can’t be made. It is not possible to assign IP address as there is no console port.
Features of Hub
Here are important features of Hub:
It works with broadcasting and shared bandwidth. It has 1 broadcast domain and 1 collision domain Works at the physical layer of the OSI model A virtual LAN can’t be created using a hub Provides support for half-duplex transmission mode A hub has just a single broadcast domain Does not support spanning tree protocol Packet collisions occur mostly inside a hub
Features of Switch
Here are important features of switch:
It is Datalink layer device (Layer 2) It works with fixed bandwidth It maintains a MAC address table Allows you to create virtual LAN It works as a multi-port bridge Mostly comes with 24 to 48 ports Supports half and full-duplex transmission modes
Difference between Hub and Switch
Here are the differences between Hub and Switch:
Applications of Hubs
The important applications of networking hub are given below:
Hubs are used in organizations for connectivity. They are used for creating small home networks. It is used for network monitoring. You can create a device or peripheral which is available thought out the network.
Applications of Switches
Some applications of switches are:
A switch helps you to manage the flow of data across the network. Medium to large-sized LANs containing a number of linked managed switches. Switches are widely used in SOHO(Small Office/Home Office) applications. SOHO mostly uses a single switch to access the various broadband services. It is used in a computer network to connect the devices together physically. A switch can transfer data to any of the other devices, either using half-duplex mode or full-duplex mode.
Advantages of HUB
Offers shared Internet Scalability(uplink) Allows Network Monitoring Provide backward compatibility Helps you to extend the total distance of the network
Disadvantages of HUB
It’s mostly half-Duplex Does not offer dedicated bandwidth It can not select Network’s Best Path. There is no mechanism of any kind to reduce network traffic. Possibility of the device differentiation Network size
Advantages of Switch
Here are pros/benefits of using Switch
It helps you to reduce the number of broadcast domains. Supports VLAN’s that can help in Logical segmentation of ports Switches can make use of CAM table for Port to MAC mapping
Disadvantages of Switch
Here are cons/drawbacks of using Switch:
Not as good as a router for limiting Broadcasts Communication between VLAN’s requires inter VLAN routing, but these days, there are many Multilayer switches available in the market. Handling Multicast packets that requires quite a bit of configuration & proper designing. Reduces the number of Broadcast domains
