Page 10 - Computer Class 08

Hub

Hub is a network component that divides a network
connection like a central dissemination centre for
multiple devices. When a computer request information
from a network or a particular computer, it transmits the
request to the hub through a cable. The hub receives the

request and broadcasts it to the entire network. Each
device in the network would then work out if the
broadcast data is for them or just drop it if it is not.

This consumes more bandwidth on the network and limits the amount of communication.
Currently hubs are almost obsolete and suspended by more advanced network
communication equipment such as Switches and Routers.

Network Switches : Switch is like a smart hub mode in with advanced features like the ability
to form tables that keep updated about all the computer or device and on which switch port
it is on. Using the physical device addresses in each incoming messages, it delivers the
messages to the correct destination or port. Neverthless both switch and hub have similar
features: Several RJ-45 Ports, power supply
and connection lights.

Switche do not broadcast the received
message to entire network like the Hub but
rather before transmitting, it analyses which
system or port should the message be
transmitted to. The switch connects the

sources and destination directly which
increase the speed of the network.
Switching technology aids to ease congestion on a network and is usually used for networks
of ten or more devices.

Router : A router is a device that analyses the
contents of data packets transmitted within a

network or to another network. Routers
determine whether the source and destination
are on the same network or whether data must
be transferred from one network type to
another, which requires encapsulating the data
packet with routing protocol header information
for the new network type.

Computer-8 10