What is Network Hub? And how does Network Hub work?

How can we forget about the Hub when it comes to networking? Now the question is, do you know what a Hub or Network Hub is? There is a simple answer to this, it is a very simple network device. Using this, multiple computers connect to other network devices. Hubs are such common network infrastructure devices that are used to connect to a local area network, while switches are now replacing hubs. The hubs function according to the central connection point of the local area networks.

Hubs are designed to work with twisted-pair cables and typically use an RJ45 connector to connect to other devices. Network devices such as (servers, workstations, printers, scanners, etc.) are connected to the hub via separate network cables. On the other hand, hubs come in different shapes and have different ports. They don’t have their own routing table, so they don’t know which node to send when any data arrives. It only transmits data over a few ports. Hubs operate at layer 1 (physical layer) of the OSI data model.

People have a lot of doubts about hubs. So, today I thought, why would I not provide you complete information on “What is Network Hub”. So that you can know how this network device works, and what are its advantages and disadvantages. Then let’s get started without delay.

What is Hub?

A hub is a device that shares a network connection across multiple computers. It looks like a distribution center. When a computer requests information from a specific computer or network, it sends that request through a cable to the hub. The hub then receives this request and broadcasts it throughout the network. Then every computer on that network needs to know if the broadcast data is meant for it or not.

But now these hubs are not as popular and are being replaced by more sophisticated communication devices such as switches and routers. This hub is essentially a multi-port repeater. This hub is used to connect multiple/many wires coming from different branches. For example, a connector is used in star topology and is used to connect different stations.

Types of Hub

As far as the types of hubs are concerned, they can be divided into three broad categories for technical reasons. These are passive hubs, active hubs, and smart hubs.

Passive Hub

Passive hubs are hubs that collect wiring from nodes and supply power to an active hub. These hubs transmit signals to the network without cleaning or boosting, and cannot be used to extend the distance between nodes. Since its name is passive, in the same way it only sends signals through the input port, while it sends them through the output port.

At the same time, it does nothing to regenerate or process signals, because it only functions as a connector in topology to connect multiple wires.

Active Hub

These are the so-called hubs that have their own power source and can independently clean, boost and retransmit signals in the network. It serves as both a repeater and a switching center. They are used to increase the maximum distance between nodes. This active hub not only acts as a connector but also regenerates data bits to ensure that signals are strong or not. The alternative name for an active hub is a multiport repeater.

In addition to being actively involved in the network, it also behaves like an interface. It can also easily monitor data before it is sent, and sometimes also enhances signals before sending it to other connections. With this feature, network problems can be easily resolved.

Intelligent Hub

An intelligent hub can very easily perform all the tasks that a passive hub and an active hub perform, and together they help inefficient management of network resources so that network performance is highly efficient.

With a smart hub, you can pinpoint the actual location of the problem to fix it at the root. It is very adaptable to different technologies and can be used without much change in its configuration. This smart hub also performs many different functions such as bridging, routing, switching, and network management.

What is Network Hub?

A network hub is a network device that connects to multiple peripheral devices on a network and helps them function as a single segment, while, unlike a switch or router, it transmits data over each connection. It does not direct them to a specific device.

Network hubs also have different speeds, which are called baud rates or network bandwidth. Whereas earlier, older network hubs only offered speeds of 10 Mbps, modern hubs offer speeds up to 100 Mbps. Today’s large networks require a 10 and 100 Mbps dual-speed network hub to provide connection points to computers and printers. Therefore, before purchasing a hub, pay attention to how many devices will be connected to that network hub.

What are the Features of Network Hub?

Do you know the maximum number of computers that can be connected to one large hub? If we are talking about a USB hub, then we can connect 127 devices to it, and 32 to a network hub. Now, let us know what are the features of a network hub?

• Works in half-duplex mode.
• Available in sizes from 4 to 24 ports.
• In this case, the hosts are responsible for detecting conflicts and retransmitting packets.
• There are basically three types: – Active Hub, Passive Hub, and Smart Hub.

How does the hub work?

If we look at it in the true sense of the word, then a network hub is more of an alternating port repeater and not just a simple link for a cluster of computers. It’s very common operation is that whatever information it receives, it sends it to all connected PC terminals. The main disadvantage of this is that it repeats data so that unnecessary data traffic is sent to the network. Thus, the data is sent in bulk, without specifying the destination.

Whereas if we compare it with switches, then it works more efficiently, switches manage the flow of data traffic in an organized manner. The switch is a very smart device. It easily determines to whom the data should be sent. Sending the correct data packets to the correct devices increases the network bandwidth. Thus, we can say that using Switches instead of hubs eliminates unnecessary data load on the network. With this unnecessary data stream, the same amount of information is sent to all blocks, whether they are needed there or not.

Hubs are used more on smaller networks, while Switches are used more on larger networks. These hubs are devices that operate at layer 1 (physical layer) of the OSI model, while switches operate at layer 2 (data link layer) of the OSI model. Often a switch and a hub are combined and used as a switching hub to help get the right data packets to the right place.

What are hubs for?

These network hubs can be used in place of switches as they are not very costly. Besides being cheap, they are only used in many jobs.

• In some special cases, hubs are used instead of network taps so that a protocol analyzer can be installed efficiently.
• A network hub is very efficient to receive a very heavy traffic load coming to a cluster of computers.
• They are very easy to use. Whereas if we had to use a switch instead of a hub, we must first configure the switch parameters.
• They can be used to create a loop when you need to communicate with end-users in the presentation room.
• Hubs can be used to expand the network because network hubs repeat each data packet further than anything sent to them.
• Whereas hubs are used more specifically in small networks.

How do I set up a network hub at home?

If you want to set up a network hub at home, there are a few important steps you need to take. For example, you first need to get an Internet connection from an ISP. Once your Internet connection is established, you can connect your network hub to your modem, and for that, you can use a network cable (Cat5 or RJ-45).

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After that, if you want, you can also connect another cable to your computer’s NIC (network interface card). You can also do this with other computers and printers on your network. If you have a wireless network, you can use a wireless hub, just make sure your hub has as many wireless ports available as your connection is available.

What are the Advantages of Hub?

Let us know about the benefits of hubs.

• It can be easily extended to the entire distance of the network.
• Their use does not greatly affect network performance.
• They are very cheap so anyone can use them.
• Many different types of media can be easily associated with them.

What are the disadvantages of a hub?

Let us know about some of the disadvantages of hubs.

• It lacks many advanced mechanisms such as collision detection and packet retransmission.
• They do not work in full-duplex mode.
• It cannot connect to other network architectures such as Token Ring and Ethernet.
• It can’t be used to filter information, it broadcasts packets to all connected segments.
• There is no mechanism for reducing network traffic.

What is the Hub Apps?

A network hub is a very widely used device for connecting to a network. It has many advantages over other communication devices. Let’s try to learn about some of the Hub applications:

• Hubs are used to create small office or home networks.
• Hubs are used to monitor networks.
• These hubs are used for connectivity in many offices, organizations and computer labs.
• By using it, it makes a device or peripheral available across the entire network.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my article on what is Network Hub. I have strived to provide readers with complete information on how the Hub works so that they do not have to search other sites or the Internet in the context of this article. It will also save them time and they will also have all the information in one place.

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