Hubs

Reviews in that Category

Hubs, in the context of networking products and computer accessories, are devices that were commonly used in the past to connect multiple devices in a local area network (LAN). However, it's important to note that hubs have become largely obsolete and have been replaced by more advanced networking equipment like switches.

Here are some key points about hubs:

  1. Function: Hubs operate at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. They receive data packets from one port and broadcast them to all other ports. This means that all devices connected to a hub see all the data traffic, regardless of whether it's intended for them or not. This can lead to network congestion and reduced efficiency.

  2. Types: There are primarily two types of hubs: passive hubs and active hubs (also known as repeater hubs). Passive hubs simply pass the data along without any form of amplification or regeneration. Active hubs, on the other hand, regenerate and amplify the incoming signals before forwarding them to all other ports.

  3. Limitations: Hubs have several limitations, including their inability to intelligently manage network traffic. Since they broadcast all data to all devices, they are highly inefficient in modern networks where traffic volumes are high.Additionally, hubs do not support full-duplex communication, which means devices connected to a hub can't transmit and receive data simultaneously.

  4. Replacement by Switches: Switches have largely replaced hubs in modern networking. Unlike hubs, switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) and are capable of intelligently forwarding data packets only to the specific device for which they are intended. This reduces network congestion and improves overall network performance.

  5. Use Cases: Hubs may still be found in some legacy networks, or they may be used for basic network connectivity in situations where performance and security are not critical. However, for most modern networking needs, switches are the preferred choice.

In summary, hubs were once commonly used networking devices to connect multiple devices in a LAN, but they have largely been replaced by switches due to their limitations in terms of efficiency and network management. Switches provide more intelligent and efficient data forwarding in modern networks.