Difference Between Hub and Switch

Network devices like hubs and switches are important components that ensure communication between computers and other devices. Think of them as silent operators behind the scenes, guiding data flow, making sure information reaches its intended destination within a network.

This is essential for different kinds of everyday tasks, right from browsing the internet and printing documents to streaming videos and sending emails. As a tech enthusiast and an expert in this field, I am often asked about the difference between hub and switch. And I’ve been meaning to tackle this question on an official forum for a while.

So with that in mind, I’ll highlight what a hub and switch is, what their applications are and break down the key distinctions between these two networking components here.

What is a Hub?

Let’s picture a town square for a moment. Now imagine there’s a large microphone at the centre, that broadcasts any message the mayor has for different sections of the town population.

It does not matter who the message is directed towards, everyone present at the town square gets to hear it. Guess what. That’s essentialy how hubs operate. They function at the physical layer of the network, acting as a central connection point.

So, when a device sends data, the hub broadcasts that data to all other connected devices. This essentially means every device receives every message, regardless of whether it's intended for them. As you can imagine, this leads to confusion and distractions, just like for the people in the town square example I shared above.

types of hubs

Let’s take a look at the common type of hubs:

Passive hubs–A basic device that simply acts as a central connection point for multiple devices.

Active hubs– These are similar to a passive hub in connecting devices, but with added functionalities such as collision detection and correction capabilities

Smart hubs– Think of them as an advanced version of an active hub with additional management capabilities. Smart hubs offers features like network monitoring, traffic analysis, and basic troubleshooting tools.

Applications of hubs

Hubs have largely been replaced by switches in modern networks due to limitations. However, they still hold some niche applications. Let’s see where you might still encounter hubs:

• In small home networks with only a few devices, a hub can be a cost-effective way to connect them for basic functionality like file sharing or internet access.

• You’ll notice that in some older systems or industrial settings, legacy equipment might still rely on hubs due to compatibility or maintaining existing infrastructure.

• Hubs are still used in educational settings for demonstrations to illustrate basic networking concepts due to their simpler operation compared to switches.

• For applications with low bandwidth requirements, like connecting printers or simple sensors, hubs are still used today.

What is a Switch?

Switches operate on a smarter level. Almost like nerds of the network world if you like.

They make it a point to keep track of all connected devices and do so by remembering the unique addresses of each connected device and which port they're plugged into. So, as and when a message arrives, the switch figures out its destination and sends the message directly to the designated recipient.

This approach keeps the network traffic flowing smoothly, unlike hubs, which send data to everyone at once. However, if a unique address is missing from the directory, the switch resorts to the older method of broadcasting the data to all connected devices.

types of switches

Other than the basic feature of connecting devices, switches offer a lot of options to that suit different network requirements. In the next section, I want to bring your attention to the different types of switches available, and their capabilities:

Unmanaged switches–These are the most basic switches that have no configuration options. They merely connect devices on the same network.

Managed switches–These offer advanced features and as the name suggests can be configured and monitored through software interfaces. With managed switches you can expect better security, traffic prioritization, and performance monitoring.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches–These types of switches supply power to devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points through an Ethernet cable.

Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches– Layer 2 switches function at the data link layer and forward traffic based on MAC addresses. Layer 3 switches on the other hand, route traffic based on IP addresses across networks.

Modular switches–These are chassis based switches. It is possible to add or replace some other modules (Ethernet, fibre optic and so on) whenever the need arises.

Stackable switches–Multiple physical switch units can be combined into a single logical unit to form stackable switches.

Applications of switches

Unlike their outdated counterparts, hubs, switches are the smarter, sleeker choice for modern networks. They offer a smoother, more efficient way to keep your devices talking to each other, whether you're setting up a home network for your family's gadgets or managing a complex system in a large business. I’ve highlighted some useful applications of switches below:

• Switches are the preferred choice for connecting devices in home networks. These include computers, printers, smart TVs and gaming consoles to name a few. Switches ensure that data flows efficiently and decreases network congestion, which leads to a smoother overall user experience.

• Switches play an important role in connecting computers, printers, servers, and other devices within an small and medium business. They ensure reliable data transfer and support key business operations like file sharing, email communication, and internet access.
• In large-scale enterprise networks, switches form the foundation, connecting different network segments and departments. They enable efficient data routing, high-speed communication, and support advanced features like network segmentation and security.
• Another critical application of switches revolve around data centers. They rely a lot on switches to manage high volumes of data traffic efficiently. Switches connect servers, storage devices, and other important infrastructure. This ensures seamless data flow and supports cloud computing services, content delivery networks, and other demanding applications.

• Switches can also be used for network convergence, which allows for different types of data to be transmitted over a single network infrastructure. This essentially simplifies network management and reduces overall costs.

• Some switches support power over Ethernet (PoE) which provides power and data using a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for devices like IP cameras or VoIP phones, simplifying installation and maintenance.

Difference between hub and switch

Alright readers, we've explored the worlds of hubs and switches, understanding their roles in connecting devices and their unique applications. Now it’s time to put them head-to-head and see how they differ on different parameters.

But before moving on, just a heads up on the semantics– you might see some people refer to hubs as “network hubs” or “ethernet hubs”. For all practical intents and purposes, they mean the same thing. So the content under this section could feature under sections like difference between ethernet hub and switch or difference between network hub and switch in resources online. Wanted to put this across, so you do not get confused during your research. With that out of the way, let’s crack on:

Difference Between Hub, Switch and Router

Some times people think these three terms can be used interchangeably. But, that’s objectively incorrect. Remember, it's important to understand the difference between hubs, routers, and switches.

Keep in mind, these devices serve different purposes in a network setup. I’ve summarised the key differences in the table below:

Final Thoughts

As a seasoned professional in this field, I can confidently say that switches are the more popular option on modern networks.

The superior performance, security, and scalability offered by switches beat the limitations of hubs. It’s true that hubs may hold a niche role in specific, low-bandwidth scenarios, switches come out on top in every other parameter.

I can assure you that switches and their wide range of use cases will allow you to build strong, efficient, and secure networks that meet the growing demands of a digitally connected world.

If you want to learn more in the field of software and technology don’t forget to checkout out UpGrad’s cloud computing courses, that are delivered by industry experts affiliated to some of India’s best educational institutes.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the main purpose of a hub or switch?

While both connect devices to a network, a switch offers smarter connections, that direct data only to the intended recipient, unlike hubs which broadcast to all devices.

2. Hub vs switch: which is faster?

Switches are much faster than hubs because of how efficiently they transfer data and their ability to avoid collisions.

3. Which one is more secure, a hub or a switch?

Switches are generally more secure. This is because they don't broadcast data to all devices, like hubs do.

4. Are hubs or switches more cost-effective?

Hubs are cheaper. But remember, their limitations more often than not make them less cost-effective over the long run, when compared to switches.

5. Is a hub better than a switch?

There’s no denying that in majority of the cases, switches are far superior to hubs. This is down to better performance, security levels, and potential to scale.

6. What is the advantage of hub over switch?

Hubs are simpler and cheaper than switches, but offer very little compared to switches.

7. Does the switch have an IP address?

Some managed switches can have an IP address for configuration purposes, unlike unmanaged switches.

8. How do switches work?

Switches learn the MAC addresses of connected devices and direct data packets only to the intended recipient, improving network efficiency.