Differences between Hub and Router
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
A hub and a router are hardware devices used to connect computers and other equipment on a network. While both facilitate data transmission, they operate at different layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and manage traffic using distinct methods. Hubs are generally considered legacy technology, whereas routers are standard components in modern home and enterprise networking.
Comparison of hub and router[edit]
The following table lists technical specifications and functional differences between the two devices.
| Category | Hub | Router |
|---|---|---|
| OSI layer | Layer 1 (Physical) | Layer 3 (Network) |
| Data form | Electrical signals or bits | Packets |
| Intelligence | Non-intelligent; broadcasts to all ports | Intelligent; routes based on IP addresses |
| Connectivity | Connects devices in a single LAN | Connects multiple networks (LAN/WAN) |
| Traffic management | Uses shared bandwidth | Uses dedicated paths per connection |
| Collision domains | Single collision domain for all ports | Each port is a separate collision domain |
| Addressing | Does not use MAC or IP addresses | Uses IP addresses and routing tables |
| Transmission mode | Half-duplex | Full-duplex |
Technical operations[edit]
Hubs function as multi-port repeaters. When a data packet arrives at one port, the hub copies the signal and sends it to all other ports regardless of the intended destination. This broadcast method results in significant network congestion and security risks, as all connected devices receive all data. Because hubs operate at the physical layer, they do not examine the data they transmit and cannot distinguish between different devices on the network.[1]
Routers operate at the network layer and manage traffic between separate networks, such as a local area network (LAN) and the internet. A router maintains a routing table, which stores information about network paths and destination IP addresses. When a packet enters the router, the device inspects the header to determine the destination and forwards it to the specific port that leads to that address. This selective forwarding reduces unnecessary traffic and improves performance.[2]
Functional differences[edit]
One distinction involves the management of collision domains. In a hub, multiple devices attempting to send data simultaneously cause collisions, requiring the devices to wait and retransmit. This shared environment limits the effective bandwidth as more devices are added. Routers eliminate this issue by isolating traffic and creating separate collision domains for each connection.[3]
Routers also provide services that hubs cannot, such as Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) for assigning IP addresses and Network Address Translation (NAT) for allowing multiple local devices to share a single public IP address. Routers often include built-in firewalls and security protocols to protect the internal network from external threats. Hubs lack these capabilities and act only as simple connection points for local hardware.[4]
References[edit]
- ↑ Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. (2011). Computer Networks. Pearson Education.
- ↑ Cisco Systems. (2023). "What Is a Router?". Cisco Networking Academy.
- ↑ IEEE Standards Association. (2012). "IEEE Standard for Ethernet". IEEE 802.3-2012.
- ↑ Lammle, T. (2018). CCNA Routing and Switching Complete Study Guide. John Wiley & Sons.
