Hub, Switch, & Router Explained - What's the difference?
A hub refers to a central electronic device, such as a router, connected to several other devices in a star topology. Hubs make it easier to add and troubleshoot nodes. However, a hub also introduces a single point of failure and the potential for introducing a bottleneck if its throughput cannot keep up with total data traffic.[1] A network switch (or just "switch") is a hub that uses packet switching to manage traffic more efficiently on a local area network.[2][3]
History[]
In the late 1970s to early 1980s, ARCnet hubs were used to connect computers together in a local area network (LAN). In a message handling service, a number of local computers might exchange messages solely with a hub computer. The hub would be responsible for exchanging messages with other hubs and non-local computers.[4]
In 1986, the introduction of PhoneNET helped to popularize inexpensive AppleTalk networks.[5] Farallon introduced its StarController hubs to manage and improve bandwidth of larger AppleTalk LANs through using star topology.[6]
In 1998, the introduction of USB in the iMac G3 popularized the adoption of USB hubs, especially for Macintosh models with a limited number of USB ports.[7] Wired USB keyboards are typically USB hubs as they allow their connection to the computer to be shared with other USB devices, such as a mouse.[8]
In homes and small offices connected to the Internet through a digital subscriber line (DSL), the DSL modem often also serves as an Ethernet and Wi-Fi hub.[9]
References[]
- ↑ Advantages and Disadvantages of Hub, Geeks for Geeks. 2021-01-21.
- ↑ Packet switching at the Free On-Line Dictionary Of Computing. 1999-03-30.
- ↑ Router vs Switch – Difference Between Them by Lawrence Wiliams, Guru99. 2022-08-29.
- ↑ Hub at the Free On-Line Dictionary Of Computing. 1995-01-16.
- ↑ AppleTalk, LocalTalk, and PhoneNet by Adam Rosen, Low End Mac. 2014-04-26.
- ↑ PhoneNET StarController, Farallon. Archived 1997-12-10.
- ↑ #1 Temporal Loop - Birth of the iMac by Thomas Hormby, The Mac Observer. 2007-05-25.
- ↑ What Is a USB Hub? 3 Reasons Why You Need One by Simon Batt, Make Use Of. 2020-03-13.
- ↑ What is a DSL modem router?, TP-Link. 2020-06-01.
External links[]
- Hub (network science) at Wikipedia
