What are the differences between Switch, Router and Hub and how do they work?

Surely at some point you have heard of devices Hub, Switch and Routers, but most likely you do not know for sure what their functions are, how we can use them in our home or business networks or what differences they have between them.

The truth is that the three devices fulfill very similar functions and perhaps what we know about them in the first place is that they work by making networking possible for computers. Although this is so, there are some differences between these devices, which gives each one a different function.

Sometimes it is difficult to understand first-hand the differences between these devices, their function and how we can use them according to our needs. Nevertheless, In this article we have given ourselves the task of explaining in detail the function that each of the devices fulfills, making clear the existing discrepancies so that it is easier for you to understand it and this information can be of your knowledge.

What is a hub and how does it work?

Known as a hub, the Hub is a device that fulfills a basic and simple mission: establish an interconnection of computers in a local network. The Hub is only dedicated to receiving information from one computer and transmitting it to the rest, so this makes it even easier than its sister devices.

This then tells us that the Hub is a connection center that accumulates information and then retransmits it to other destinations. What the Hub does by connecting a series of computers is known as a LAN (Local Area Network). The information that arrives at the Hub is retransmitted to each of the computers that are connected to the network, something that is not always pleasant for the experience of the user who wants to send information to a specific computer.

In aviation, the term Hub refers to an airport where planes arrive with passengers from different destinations to depart for a different one, being a common point for the arrival of users who will have to leave for another place. Something like this works a Hub in computing, receives information from each computer and retransmits it to the rest of the equipment that are connected to the local area network.

Hub devices have clear disadvantages compared to their peers, which is why their use has decreased significantly in recent years, with companies preferring the use of Switch devices that can be easily adjusted to their needs. Although still It is used to make it possible to connect some simple home networks, as the Hub adapts to the speed of the slowest device on the network.

What is a switch and what functions does it have?

The Switch, also known as a commutator, has very similar functions to its sister device, but has certain differences in sending information. The Switch device is capable of transmitting information directly from its origin to a specific computer that acts as a destination without having to replicate the information to all the computers on the network, a function that the Hub cannot fulfill, which is why it has been displaced little by little.

Another advantage the Switch has over the Hub is the ability for other computers on the network to information can be sent while a process is already underway between different origins and destinations. The truth is that the Switch has significantly improved the functions of the Hub, since although it has somewhat limited functions, it is still superior to those of this one. In addition to the fact that it can work with a greater number of computers connected to its network, which makes it a better option for users than the Hub.

What is a router and what uses does it have?

The Router or router is a much more advanced device than the Hub and the Switch, because it can fulfill the functions of this and more. Its main function is to transmit data packets between different networks. It has the ability to fulfill the main function of the Switch to send data from its origin to destination, but with the ability to intelligently choose the best path to complete the process, hence why we can call it a router.

This device uses at least two networks that can be two LAN’s or WLAN’s; or a LAN and a wide area network (WAN) that is used for the ISP connection. There are quite advanced Router devices that have the possibility of connecting an ADSL cable, which allows data transmission at a higher speed in one direction than in another; others allow the connection of a classic modem through a serial port in case the main connection fails.

Routers have the ability to interconnect multiple networks and although many can incorporate the functions of the three devices in question within themselves, sometimes they usually work together with a Hub or Switch, depending on the need. The truth is that at the end of everything, the Router ends up choosing the most convenient route, the least congested to execute the transmission of information, doing it in its entirety instead of sending it in frames.

In general, internet providers usually include a router when they make their contracts to provide their services. Today’s routers include technologies such as hardware-based firewall in order to keep the network protected against possible DDoS, (denial of service attacks) or any other danger that may exist.

Differences and comparison between a Hub, Switch and Router. Which one is better?

Definitely the question about which device is better of the three in question is very easy to answer without much thought: the Router. This advanced device represents a high level of evolution with respect to the previous two, since it has the capacity to combine the functions of both in itself.

But besides that the Router It allows a computer not only to connect to the local network (as in a Hub or Switch), but also to connect to other networks.

Both Hub and Switch use the frame format to transport data, the difference between them is in the way of sending the information, since while the Hub does not have the capacity to know the destination of the information, it has to retransmit it to each of the computers that are connected to the network to ensure that it can come.

the switch It has the ability to select the machine that will serve as the destination by having a record of the MAC addresses, something that would avoid generating network traffic.