What is the Difference Between Switch and Hub?

The main difference between a switch and a hub lies in how they handle data transmission. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Operating Layer: A hub operates on the physical layer (Layer 1), while a switch operates on the data link layer (Layer 2).
2. Data Transmission: When a hub receives data, it broadcasts the data to all connected devices, regardless of whether they are the intended recipient or not. In contrast, a switch identifies the media access control (MAC) address in the data packet header and transmits the data only to the intended destination.
3. Half-Duplex vs. Full-Duplex: Hubs use half-duplex cables, meaning each port can only send or receive data at any one time. Switches, on the other hand, use full-duplex cables, allowing each port to send and receive data simultaneously.
4. Collision and Retransmissions: Hubs can cause collisions and retransmissions due to their broadcasting nature, which can lead to inefficient data transmission. Switches, being more intelligent, segment collision domains and create boundaries between each switch port, reducing collisions and retransmissions.
5. Intelligence: A switch is considered an advanced hub with more intelligence, as it can examine each individual data packet and determine the appropriate destination for the data.

In summary, switches are generally faster, more intelligent, and more efficient than hubs in handling data transmission within a network.

Comparative Table: Switch vs Hub

Here is a table comparing the differences between a switch and a hub:

In summary, a hub is a simpler device that operates on the physical layer and broadcasts data to all connected devices, while a switch is a more advanced device that operates on the data link layer, uses MAC addresses to efficiently route traffic, and provides dedicated bandwidth to each connected device.