Hub In Computer Network? Features, Types & Works

In today’s world where everyone wants to connect through the internet, the internet plays an important role in getting any information from the world. But have you ever wondered hownetworking devices communicate with each other ?. In this article, we will understand what is a hub in a computer network, how they work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages.

What is Hub in the computer network?

In computer networking, hub is a basic networking device which works on the physical layer (First Layer) of OSI model . It is basically a multi-port repeater. The primary function of a hub is to receive data from a device connected to it and transmit that data to all other devices connected to the hub. Unlike switches, which forward data based on MAC address only to the device for which it is intended, hubs transmit data indiscriminately to all devices on the network segment.

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Working on a Hub in computer network

The working principle of the hub is relatively simple. When a device connected to a hub sends data, the hub receives it and then broadcasts it to all other devices connected to the hub. This means that every device connected to the hub receives the data sent by the sender, regardless of whether it is the intended recipient or not. Unlike more advanced networking devices such as switches, hubs do not have the intelligence to determine the best path for data transmission. Instead, they transmit data blindly across all connected devices, which can cause network congestion and reduce performance, especially in large networks.

How Does Hub Work

A network hub operates at the physical layer of a network, serving as a central connection point for multiple devices. When asender device sends data to the hub, the networking device hub broadcasts the data to all other connected devices in the network. In essence, it functions like a signal repeater, amplifying and distributing signals to ensure they reach all connected devices. However, hubs lack intelligence and don’t differentiate between devices, leading to shared bandwidth and potential network congestion. While simple to set up and inexpensive, hubs are less efficient than switches and routers, which offer more advanced traffic management and better performance for modern networks.

types of a hub in computer network

In networking, hubs generally fall into three categories based on their functionalities and management capabilities.

Passive Hub: A Passive Hub is a basic networking device used to connect multiple devices in a local area network (LAN). It serves as a central connection point where devices such as computers, printers, or other networked devices can be plugged in using Ethernet cables.

Active Hub: An Active Hub, also known as a powered hub, is a type of networking device used to connect multiple devices in a local area network (LAN). Unlike a passive hub, which simply passes along signals from one device to another without any amplification or regeneration, an active hub actively regenerates and strengthens the signals before passing them on to the connected devices.

Intelligent Hub: An Intelligent Hub, also known as a managed hub, is a type of networking device that offers more advanced features and capabilities compared to traditional passive or active hubs. Intelligent hubs are designed to provide greater control, management, and monitoring of network traffic, making them suitable for more complex networking environments.

Features of Hubs

Hubs, particularly passive and active variants, share several common features:

Signal Distribution: Hubs distribute incoming signals from one device to all other connected devices.
Physical Layer Device: Operating at the physical layer of the OSI model, hubs facilitate the transmission of data packets over the network.
Shared Bandwidth: All devices connected to a hub share the available bandwidth, potentially leading to network congestion and reduced performance.
Low Cost: Hubs are often cost-effective compared to switches or routers, making them suitable for small-scale networks or temporary setups.
Extender of Reach: Active hubs can regenerate signals, allowing data to travel longer distances without significant degradation.
Multiple Ports: Hubs typically come with multiple ports, enabling simultaneous connections for several devices.
Compatibility: They support various network protocols and standards, ensuring compatibility with different devices and network configurations.

Advantages of Hub

Hubs are incredibly easy to set up and use

Compared to more sophisticated networking devices like switches or routers, hubs are usually more affordable
Hubs support various network protocols and standards, ensuring compatibility with different devices and network configurations.
Hubs can be valuable tools for learning basic networking concepts and understanding how data flows within a network
In some cases, hubs can simplify the troubleshooting process by providing a straightforward view of network connectivity.

Limitation of Hub in Computer Networks

Hubs have several limitations in computer networks:

Shared Bandwidth: All devices connected to a hub share the available bandwidth, leading to potential network congestion, especially in high-traffic environments.

Limited Performance: Due to their broadcast nature, hubs are inefficient for networks with large numbers of devices or heavy data traffic. This can result in slower network speeds and decreased overall performance.

Collision Domain: In a hub-based network, all connected devices share the same collision domain, which increases the likelihood of data collisions. Collisions can degrade network performance and lead to packet loss, particularly in busy networks.

Lack of Intelligence: Hubs lack the intelligence of more advanced networking devices like switches or routers. They cannot prioritize traffic, segment networks, or provide security features, limiting their usefulness in modern network environments.

Security Risks: Because hubs broadcast data to all connected devices, network traffic is vulnerable to interception by unauthorized users. This lack of security features makes hubs unsuitable for sensitive or secure networks.

Limited Distance: In larger networks, the distance between devices becomes a limitation as hubs lack signal regeneration capabilities. Signal degradation over long cable runs can lead to connectivity issues and decreased network reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hubs play a crucial role as basic networking devices, providing a simple and cost-effective way to connect multiple devices in a network. While they may have limitations in terms of performance and security, understanding their functionality and applications can help users make informed decisions when setting up networks. As technology continues to evolve, hubs may gradually be replaced by more advanced networking devices, but their significance in laying the foundation of computer networking remains invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions On Hub in Computer Network

Q1. Where are hubs commonly used?

Answer: Hubs are commonly used in small office/home office (SOHO) environments, educational institutions, temporary network setups, or scenarios where basic network connectivity is required without the need for advanced features or performance.

Q2. Are hubs still used in modern networks?

Answer: While hubs were commonly used in the past, they have largely been replaced by more advanced networking devices such as switches and routers. However, hubs may still be used in specific scenarios or for educational purposes.

Q3. Can I connect different types of devices to a hub?

Answer: Yes, hubs support various network protocols and standards, allowing you to connect different types of devices such as computers, printers, scanners, and more, as long as they have Ethernet ports

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