Hubs, Switches, Routers, and Access Points are all used to connect computers on a network, but each of them has different capabilities.
What Is a Hub?
Hubs are used to connect computers on a network to communicate with each other. Each computer plugs into the hub with a cable, and information sent from one computer to another passes through the hub.
A hub can’t identify the source or destination of the information it receives, so it sends the information to all of the computers connected to it, including the one that sent it. A hub can send or receive information, but it can’t do both at the same time.
Area Of Operation.
A hub operates at the physical layer of the network. Its primary job is to regenerate signals over the same network before they become too weak or corrupted.
Hubs are essentially multi-port repeaters, connecting multiple wires from different branches (e.g., stations in a star topology).
However, hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected devices. The collision domain for all hosts connected through a hub remains the same.
Types of hubs include:
Active Hub: Has its own power supply and can clean, boost, and relay signals. Used to extend the maximum distance between nodes.
Passive Hub: Collects wiring from nodes and power supply from an active hub. Relays signals without cleaning or boosting them.
Intelligent Hub: Includes remote management capabilities and flexible data rates.
What Is a Switch?
Switches function the same way as hubs, but they can identify the intended destination of the information that they receive, so they send that information to only the computers that it is intended for.
Switches can send and receive information at the same time, and faster than hubs can. Switches are best recommended on a home or office network where you have more computers and want to use the network for activities that require passing a lot of information between computers.
Area Of Operation.
A switch operates at the data link layer. Unlike hubs, switches can filter data based on MAC addresses.
They create separate collision domains for each connected device, improving efficiency.
Switches learn and remember which devices are connected to each port, allowing for more intelligent forwarding.
Types of switches include:
Unmanaged Switch: Basic switch without configuration options.
Managed Switch: Offers features like VLANs, QoS, and security settings.
Layer 3 Switch: Combines switch and router functionalities.
What Is a Router?
Routers are better known as intermediary devices that enable computers and other network components to communicate or pass information between two networks e.g. between your home network and the Internet.
The most astounding thing about routers is their capability to direct network traffic. Routers can be wired (using cables) or wireless. Routers also typically provide built-in security, such as a firewall.
Area Of Operation.
A router acts as a gateway between different networks (e.g., LAN and WAN). It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) and uses IP addresses for routing.
Routers determine the best path for data packets based on destination IP addresses.
They connect LANs or WANs and provide features like NAT (Network Address Translation) and firewall capabilities.
A router is placed between a modem (for internet connectivity) and a switch or hub.
Sometimes, all these functions (modem, router, switch, and access point) are bundled into a single device.
What Is An Access Point?
Access points provide wireless access to a wired Ethernet network. An access point plugs into a hub, switch, or wired router and sends out wireless signals. This enables computers and devices to connect to a wired network wirelessly.
You can move from one location to another and continue to have wireless access to a network. When you connect to the Internet using a public wireless network in an airport, hotel, or public, you are usually connecting through an access point. Some routers are equipped with a wireless access point capability, in this case, you don’t need a wireless access Point.
Area Of Operation.
An access point (AP) provides wireless access to a wired Ethernet network. It plugs into a hub, switch, or wired router and sends out wireless signals.
Computers and devices can connect to the wired network wirelessly via the access point.
Access points allow mobility within the network, enabling seamless wireless connections as you move from one location to another.
Remember that each of these devices plays a crucial role in building and maintaining a functional network!
