Understanding Hubs & Switches: The Backbone of Networking
In the world of computer networking, Hubs & Switches play a vital role in connecting multiple devices within a network. Though they might look similar, their functions differ significantly. A Hub is a basic networking device that connects several computers or other network devices together. It works at the physical layer of the OSI model and simply broadcasts the data it receives to all connected devices, regardless of the destination. This often leads to unnecessary data traffic and reduced efficiency.
On the other hand, a Switch operates at the data link layer and is much smarter. It can identify the specific device the data is meant for by using MAC addresses, ensuring that information reaches the correct destination directly. This improves both speed and performance within the network.