Hub and switch. What should you use for your network?

You want to create a network for the computers in the office, but you don't know what to choose – a hub and a switch. A hub and a switch, they both look similar (a box with Ethernet ports) and have the same purpose, to connect multiple computers on a network, but they are not equal. Here we will explain difference and help you make the right choice for your office.

A Brief History of Hubs and Switches in Networks

In the early 1980s, hubs were introduced as basic devices for connecting multiple computers on a local area network (LAN). Hubs operating at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model broadcast data to all connected devices simultaneously, which was sufficient for small, low-traffic networks of the time. However, this method led to data collisions and inefficient use of bandwidth as networks grew.

In the mid-1990s, crossovers began to emerge as a more advanced alternative. Switches operating at the data link layer (Layer 2) can route data packets to a specific intended recipient device using MAC addresses. This innovation reduced collisions and allowed for more efficient use of network resources, leading to increased adoption.

Now let's take a look at the key differences between hubs and switches and explore which one is better suited for your specific networking needs.

center

A hub, as the name suggests, is a point of connection various computers. Creates an Ethernet-based network. There are also variations based on USB and Firewire.

This device does not manage traffic intelligently. It broadcasts data to all connected computers. Due to the way it works, more bandwidth is used and sometimes packet collisions occur.

Advantages of using a hub

Low price

Budget-friendly: Hubs are generally more budget friendly than switches. This can be useful for temporary installations or when network needs are minimal, making them an economical choice for small or short-term projects.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: The low initial cost means that the total cost of ownership (TCO) is generally lower for hubs if the lack of functionality does not defeat the purpose of the network.

Ease of Installation

Plug-and-Play: Hubs usually require minimal setup. In most cases, you simply place your devices in the center and you're good to go.
No configuration needed: Unlike switches, hubs require no configuration, making them easy to deploy for the non-tech-savvy.

Disadvantages of using a hub

No Traffic Management

Bandwidth Sharing: All devices connected to the hub must share bandwidth, which can be a problem if you have multiple devices transmitting data at the same time. This is particularly limiting for applications that require high data throughput.
Collisions: Lack of traffic management means that data collisions are more likely, making hubs less reliable for efficient data transfer.

Limited Security

Information Vulnerability: Since all data packets are broadcast to each port, it is easier for malicious actors to sniff the data. This is especially problematic if sensitive data is being transmitted.
No access control: Hubs do not have features that restrict access to connected devices. This makes network management and security even more difficult.

Reduced Performance

Limited Size: Because of the inefficiency in handling network traffic, nodes are not suitable for networks that need to scale. As more devices are added, performance degrades significantly.
Delay: Because each packet is sent to all ports, it takes longer for the correct packet to reach its destination, causing latency issues.

Transition

A switch is an intelligent network device. Unlike the center, it reviews the data packets and directs them only to the right. It does this by remembering the MAC addresses of connected gadgets. A switch can support various common network types such as 802.11, Ethernet, Fiber and more. It is newer compared to Hub and there are more common in modern offices.

Advantages of using Switch

Effective Traffic Management

Dedicated bandwidth: Unlike hubs, switches provide dedicated bandwidth for each connected device, allowing for smoother data transfer.
Smart data packet management: Switches can understand the data packets they receive and send them only to the intended devices, reducing the possibility of data collisions.

Advanced Security

Secure data transfer: By sending packets only to intended recipients, switches make it difficult for unauthorized users to intercept data.
Access control: Managed switches allow network administrators to set up Access Control Lists (ACLs), providing an additional layer of security.

Better Performance

High productivity: With better traffic management, switches can handle larger volumes of data traffic without sacrificing speed.
Scalability: Switches are better suited for growing networks and provide stable performance even as more devices are added.

Disadvantages of using Switch

Cost

Higher initial cost: The initial cost of a switch is generally higher than a hub.
Total Property Value: Advanced features may require ongoing maintenance, increasing the total cost over time.

Complexity

Configuration Required: Switches usually need to be configured, which may require special knowledge or expertise.
Compliance Issues: Advanced features such as VLAN or Quality of Service (QoS) settings can sometimes cause compatibility issues with older hardware or software.

Hub and switch

Now let's be more specific. With this comparison chart, you will know why people prefer switching.

What should you use?

Small home networks:

If you have a small home network with limited data transfer requirements, one hub may be sufficient. However, modern routers often come with built-in switch ports, providing even small home networks with the benefits of switches without requiring a separate device.

Business networks:

For business settings, switching is almost always a better option. Increased performance and security features are usually necessary for the efficient operation of a business network.

Special needs:

If you need to monitor all data traffic for purposes such as data sniffing or analysis, a hub can be useful because it sends packets to all ports. But such tasks are more suitable for switches managed by port-mirroring features.

Suggested page: Monitoring service: what is it and do I need it?

The result

And now the final answer “Hub vs. switch”.

A lot depends on your budget. If you're looking for the cheapest option out there, or maybe you have an old big hub somewhere, you can still use it. It can be a solution for a network of small computers that are not connected to the Internet.

In any other case, choose a link. It's smarter, more secure, and can handle a larger group of connected devices.

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