Hub is a simple, low-cost network device that is used to send data from one device to the other. In this article, DNG Corp will discuss with you what a Hub is and how a Hub works in a computer network.
What is a Hub?
In a network system, a Hub is a device that connects multiple devices and computers together. Hubs can also be called repeaters or concentrators because they act as the center of a local area network (LAN).
Network Hubs are best suited for small, simple local area networks. Hubs do not have routing capabilities or other advanced network services. Because they operate by forwarding Ethernet frames across all ports indiscriminately, network Hubs are sometimes called Dumb Switches.
What is a hub?
Because of their limited functionality and poor scalability, network hubs have had only one competitive advantage over switches: lower cost. Although hubs are less common today, they can still be the most suitable and optimal choice for simple networking purposes.
=> See more: Distinguish between Hub, Switch and Router
How does a network hub work?
After learning what a hub is, the next content about how a network hub works in a computer network will be informed to you by DNG Corp below. Network hubs are classified as Layer 1 devices in the Open Systems Interconnection model. They connect multiple computers together and transmit data received from one port to all other ports without restriction.
Hubs operate in a half-duplex transmission method. However, this transmission method is considered unsafe in terms of security and privacy because it cannot protect or isolate traffic. This is also one of the limitations of the Hub in terms of traffic management: Devices on the Hub act as a network segment and share the collision domain.
When two devices connected to a network Hub port transmit data at the same time, the packets will cause collisions, reducing network performance. An alternative in this case is a switch or router as they have each port representing a separate collision domain.
All devices connected to a network hub share all available bandwidth. This is different from a switching environment where each port receives a dedicated amount of bandwidth.
How does a network hub work?
Types of Network Hubs
There are two types of network hubs:
- Active Hubs: Active Hubs repeat and enhance incoming transmissions. They are also known as repeaters.
- Passive Hubs: Passive Hubs act as connection points without any additional capabilities.
- Smart Hubs: These are Hubs that include additional features such as network management capabilities, fault detection, and troubleshooting tools. These Hubs are also known as Managed Hubs
The use of Hub ports is not related to the network topology. In a star topology, sometimes called a “Hub and Spoke,” each server connects to a central Hub port. However, the servers do not connect directly to each other. In this case, the Hub is often replaced by a Switch.
When to use a hub network?
Hub networks are typically best suited for small, local networks that do not require handling large amounts of data. They are simpler to set up and maintain and are more cost-effective than other types of networks, making them ideal for home offices or small businesses. Hub networks are also useful when multiple users need to access shared resources, such as printers or file servers, at the same time.
Hub networks are also less congested because they transmit data evenly, which helps prevent single devices from dominating the available bandwidth. However, this also means that all connected devices must share the total bandwidth equally because they all have equal access to it.
When to use Hub network
Are Network Hubs Still Used?
A network hub is a device used to connect computers on a network, allowing them to share data and information between them. They are still used in some cases, although switches are preferred due to their ability to provide more efficient network connectivity.
Network hubs also require more cabling than switches, making them less preferred in most cases. But network hubs are also useful in situations that require multiple devices of different speeds or capabilities to be connected to the same network.
=> See more: What is a router?
Do Network Hubs Affect Speed?
Network Hubs can impact network speed because they do not have the ability to prioritize traffic between devices. All connected devices share the same bandwidth, so when multiple devices are used simultaneously, the overall network speed will decrease. Additionally, data must be sent to all connected devices even if only one device needs it, which increases communication time.
Despite these limitations, network hubs are not ideal for modern networking, but some applications such as gaming or streaming still use network hubs instead of switches.
Do Network Hubs Have IP Addresses?
Network Hubs typically do not have IP addresses because they are designed to openly relay information between connected devices on the same network. This means that any device can send data through the Hub without communicating directly with the Hub itself. Furthermore, the Hub usually identifies the IP address of the device it connects to, so specifying the address is unnecessary.
Thus, the information we provide above has helped you better understand what a Hub is. It can be understood that a Hub is a basic network device used to connect multiple devices in the network together. They are cost-effective and useful for small networks, but may not be suitable for large networks with high traffic. However, when setting up a system, it is important that businesses consider the specific needs of the network to choose the right device, which will bring the best performance.
For advice and selection of network connection devices such as genuine Switches, at the best price for businesses, contact DNG Corp immediately – Soltech’s authorized distributor via Hotline: 0983 959 796/ 0988 712 159 or Email: sales@dngcorp.vn.
