The three types of devices Hub, Switch and Router all have diverse functions, sometimes they are combined to form a single device. Therefore, many users will be confused between these three devices. In today’s article, DNG Corp will summarize information to help readers better understand how to distinguish Hub, Switch and Router.
What are Hub, Switch and Router?
Before distinguishing Hub, Switch and Router, DNG Corp will help you learn about the concept of each device.
What is Hub?
Hub is a device commonly used to connect segments of LAN (Local Area Network) and a hub will contain many ports. When a data packet is transmitted to a port, that packet will be copied to other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets. Here, Hub acts as a common connection point for devices in the network.
Tìm hiểu Hub là gì
However, a Hub is just a connector of wires coming from different sides. They do not have the ability to process or regenerate signals. Hubs operate only on the physical layers of the OSI model.
A Hub is also called a repeater because it transmits signals to every port except the port that receives the signal. A Hub is not an optimal device for communication and information processing for layers 2 and 3.
What is a Switch?
A Switch is a device that operates at the data link layer (layer 2) and sometimes the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. Therefore, they are responsible for supporting all data packet protocols.
LANs that use Switch devices to connect segments are called switched LANs. In the case of Ethernet networks, they are called switched Ethernet LANs. In networking, a switch is a device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments.
Switches are intelligent tools that help in deciding to send information from a specific source to a destination. Switches build a MAC address table for all devices connected to the Switch. At the same time, they will forward frames from a specific source to the destination. In this case, the communication will be unicast after the switch has learned the MAC address of the destination device. This ensures secure communication between devices.
What is a Router?
A Router can be connected to at least two networks, usually two LANs or WANs (Wide Area Networks) or a LAN and its ISP.s (Internet Service Provider) network. Routers are located at the ports that connect two or more networks. By using headers and forwarding tables, Routers will determine the best path to forward packets to the correct destination.
What is a Router?
Furthermore, routers are devices that use protocols like ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) to communicate with each other and configure the best route between any two hosts. It can be understood that routers help in forwarding data packets along the network.
=> See more: What is a Router? How to Choose a Router for Business
Differences Between Router, Switch, and Hub
In devices used to connect network systems, data is usually transmitted in the form of frames. When a frame is received, the data is amplified, and then transmitted to the destination computer (Personal Computer) port. The most obvious difference between a Hub and a Switch is in the method of distributing frames.
In a Hub, a frame is transmitted or “broadcasted” to all of its ports. However, the Hub cannot distinguish which port it is sent to. A 10/100Mbps hub will have to share bandwidth with each of its ports. Meanwhile, a Switch will keep a record of the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of all the devices connected to it. With this information, the Network Switch can determine which system is operating on which port. Therefore, when a frame is received, the Switch will know exactly which port to send the frame to without wasting network response time. Additionally, unlike a Hub, a 10/100Mbps Switch will allocate the full 10/100Mbps speed to each of its ports. Therefore, regardless of the number of PCs transmitting, users will always have access to the maximum amount of bandwidth.
Unlike a Switch or Hub that transmits data through frames, a Router will route packets to other networks until the packet reaches its final destination. One of the key features of a packet is that it not only contains the data, but also the destination address of where it is going. Furthermore, a Router is the only device of the three that allows users to share a single IP (Internet Protocol) address among multiple client networks.
Distinguish Hub, Switch and Router easily
To give readers a more general view, DNG Corp will distinguish between Hub, Switch and Router in the comparison table below:
| Distinguish | Hub | Switch | Router |
| Active Class | Physical layer | Data Link Layer | Network layer |
| Function | Allows connecting a network of personal computers together. | Allows connection to multiple devices, port management, VLAN security settings | Allows direct data transmission over the network. |
| Data transmission format | Electrical signals or bits | Frame or data packet | Data Package |
| Port | 4/12 | Multiple Ports, usually 4 – 48 Ports | 2/4/5/8 |
| Transmission type | Frame overflow, Unicast, Multicast or broadcast | First is broadcast, then Unicast or Multicast depending on the need | First came broadcast, then Unicast and Multicast |
| Device Type | Non-intelligent device | Smart devices | Smart devices |
| Used in (LAN, MAN, WAN) | LAN | LAN | LAN, MAN, WAN |
| Transmission method | half duplex | Half duplex/Full duplex | Full duplex |
| Transmission speed | 10Mbps | 10/100Mbps, 1Gbps | 1-100Mbps (wireless)
100Mbps – 1Gbps (stringed) |
| Data transmission address | MAC | MAC | IP |
Hub, Switch and Router are terms that are easily confused for users. However, understanding the differences in their functions will help businesses and network administrators find the most suitable device for their connection needs. Hopefully, the above article will help you distinguish Hub, Switch and Router most clearly.
DNG Corp – Authorized distributor of major technology brands in the ICT field such as Soltech. We are committed to providing businesses with connection solutions and products including network switches, quality Layer 3 switches at the best prices.
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