Internet Protocols Questions
A network switch and a hub are both networking devices used to connect multiple devices in a network. However, there are some key differences between them:
1. Functionality: A hub operates at the physical layer of the OSI model and simply broadcasts incoming data to all connected devices, regardless of the destination. On the other hand, a switch operates at the data link layer and intelligently forwards data only to the intended recipient based on the MAC address.
2. Traffic handling: A hub broadcasts all incoming data to all connected devices, causing unnecessary network congestion and collisions. In contrast, a switch creates a dedicated connection between the sender and receiver, allowing simultaneous communication between multiple devices without collisions.
3. Bandwidth: A hub shares the total available bandwidth among all connected devices, leading to slower network speeds as the number of devices increases. In contrast, a switch provides dedicated bandwidth to each connected device, ensuring faster and more efficient data transmission.
4. Security: A hub does not provide any security features, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access and packet sniffing. Conversely, a switch offers features like VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and port security, enhancing network security and preventing unauthorized access.
Overall, a network switch is a more advanced and efficient networking device compared to a hub, providing better performance, security, and scalability for modern networks.