Hub Definition
Hub is the most basic connection device. It is a piece of hardware that allows you to concentrate on network traffic that comes from multiple computers and regenerate the signal.
The hub is an entity that has a certain number of ports. Its sole purpose is to retrieve the binary data entering one port and send it to the other ports.
In this case, a request address to a certain PC on the network will be sent to all PCs on the network.
It greatly reduces bandwidth and causes listening problems on the network. As a repeater, the hub operates at level 1 of the OSI model.
That is why it is sometimes called a multiport repeater. It is nothing more than multiple RJ45 sockets.
What are the Types of Hubs?
There are different categories of hubs:
Assets
- They are connected to an electrical power source and allow to regenerate the signal that is sent to the different ports;
Passives
- They simply send the signal to all connected hosts, without amplifying it.
What are Connecting multiple Hubs?
It is possible to connect several hubs to centralize a huge number of equipment. It is called a daisy chain.
- To do this, you only need to connect the hubs using a crossover cable, that is, a cable that connects the input/output ports on one end to those on the other end.
- Hubs generally have a special port called “uplink” to connect two hubs using a patch cord.
- Some hubs can also automatically cross or unbundle their ports, depending on whether they connected to a host or hub.
- If you want to connect multiple computers to your Internet connection, one hub will not suffice. You will need a router or switch, or leave the equipment connected directly as a gateway.
What is the difference between a hub and a switch?
- A switch is a smarter item. The physical address, also known as MAC, the element only copies that information to the mouth that is waiting for the data.
- Certain packages have to be sent to all the elements of a network but manage to reduce traffic considerably.
- Currently, the reality is that the hubs are almost impossible to get and that all the elements that perform this functionality are switches.
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