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What is the Hub?
A hub is a standard network point, also referred to as a network hub, to connect devices in a network. The hub has numerous ports. If a packet makes it to one port, it can be viewed by all the network segments because a packet is duplicated to another port. A hub is a unique device used to enhance a network by enabling increased workstations.
Types of Hubs
There are three types of hubs, which are as follows −
1. Passive Hubs
Passive hubs do not include any computerized elements, and they do not process the data signal at all. The main goal of a passive hub is to connect the signals from various network cable segments. All device connected to a passive hub takes all the packets that develop through the hub.
2. Active Hubs
The hubs that contain repeating capabilities to strengthen the signals in a network are called active hubs. The limitation of active hubs is that they magnify noise along with the signals. They are a little smarter than passive hubs because they boost the signals before passing them between nodes to the node.
3. Intelligent Hubs
These hubs are also called smart hubs. They have a special kind of software that performs network management functions. The software allows them to find and separate network issues. Thus, they have both monitoring and management capabilities.
These hubs do not have much importance in smaller networks with a few nodes, but as the network expands, its problems and management also need to increase, and in those networks, such hubs are proven to be an asset.
Examples of Hubs
- USB hub − A hub that allows multiple devices to connect to a computer using USB ports
- FireWire hub − A hub that allows multiple FireWire devices to connect to a computer
- Ethernet hub − A hub that connects multiple Ethernet devices to form a single network segment
How do Network Hubs Work?
Network hubs are classified as Layer 1 devices in the OSI model. They link multiple computers and forward data received on one port to all other ports without any limitations.
Hubs work in a half-duplex mode. This mode raises privacy and security issues as it cannot isolate or protect traffic. Additionally, it creates a practical challenge in handling traffic: Devices on a hub act as a single network segment, sharing a collision domain.
When two devices on a hub send data at the same time, packets collide, leading to network performance issues. This problem can be reduced by using switches or routers, where each port is a separate collision domain.
Devices connected to a hub share all available bandwidth equally, unlike a switch environment, where each port gets its dedicated bandwidth.
Advantages of Hub
- Cost − Hubs are usually cheaper than switches and other networking devices.
- Ease of use − Hubs are plug-and-play devices that require little configuration.
- Compatibility − Hubs are compatible with many devices, including older ones.
- Troubleshooting − Hubs can be used to monitor network traffic.
Disadvantages of Hub
- Inefficiency − Hubs broadcast data to all connected devices, which can cause congestion and collisions.
- Security − Hubs are less secure than switches because they don't filter packets, and all data packets are broadcast to every port.
- Scalability − Hubs are not well suited for networks that need to scale.