A network hub is a device used in computer networking to connect multiple devices together in a local area network (LAN). It serves as a central connection point for devices to communicate with each other.
Hubs were widely used in the past, they have been largely replaced by network switches. Switches offer improved performance, security, and more efficient data transmission compared to hubs. Therefore, network switches are the preferred choice for modern LANs.
Types of Network Hubs
Passive Hub: Also known as a dumb hub, a passive hub simply provides a physical connection between devices without any active data processing. It broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices, regardless of the intended recipient. Passive hubs are rarely used in modern networks due to their limitations in terms of performance and security.
Active Hub: An active hub, also called an intelligent hub, includes circuitry to amplify and regenerate network signals. It provides a central point for network connectivity and actively manages data transmission between connected devices. Active hubs are more efficient than passive hubs but still suffer from limitations in terms of performance and security.
Switching Hub: A switching hub, commonly known as a network switch, is an advanced version of a hub that offers enhanced performance and security features. Unlike hubs, which broadcast data to all connected devices, a network switch intelligently directs data packets only to the appropriate destination device. This reduces network congestion and enhances overall network efficiency.
Functions of a Network Hub
Signal Amplification: Hubs amplify weak network signals, ensuring that they reach all connected devices without degradation.
Connectivity: A hub serves as a central connection point, allowing multiple devices to connect to a network using Ethernet or other wired connections.
Data Broadcasting: In the case of passive or active hubs, incoming data is broadcasted to all connected devices. This is useful in scenarios where all devices need to receive the same information simultaneously, such as broadcasting a message or distributing updates.
Signal Regeneration: Active hubs regenerate and retransmit network signals, ensuring that the strength and quality of the signals are maintained over longer cable lengths.
Device Expansion: Hubs provide a means to expand the number of available network connections by providing additional ports to connect devices.