2007-02-09 05:20:08 · 3 answers · asked by seafish 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Adding to the other answers, both of which are correct... In the proper networking terminology, a hub is a single collision domain, while each individual port on a switch is its own collision domain. So if you have machines A/B/C/D connected to a hub and A and B are exchanging frames, then C and D also have to "listen" to that. This is because a hub is simply a multi-port repeater, it's all half-duplex, it's like a simple bus network but collapsed down into the hub. Now if the same machines are connected to a switch, then A and B could be talking and C and D could also be talking simultaneously and nobody interferes with each other.
2007-02-09 10:07:47 · answer #1 · answered by networkmaster 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as far as ethernet is concerned, a hub distributes one input to multiple outputs blindly.
a switch recognizes the difference between connected devices and distributes the proper information to the correct device.
as far as usb is concerned, a hub multiplies your ports. a switch changes the device from one computer to another, or changes the device on the usb port to a different one.
as far as life is concerned, a hub is where cool kids hang out. a switch is a tree branch parents used to make children collect, or "fetch," so they could be whipped for transgressions (eg, "fetch a switch, boy.")
2007-02-09 05:31:59 · answer #2 · answered by zero01101 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
in the hub everybody talks to everybody, in the switch when 2 devices talk it is only between them. so the switch is generally faster, more secure and more expensive. if you are buying for home use you don't really care.
2007-02-09 05:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋