in computer networking which is better to use? a hub or a switch?

Question

if it is in game networking, any other suggestions??? ty..

Answer 1

Use a switch. A switch gives each port what appears to be a clear path to each other port. If you want the ability to do more higher end functions such as SPAN or port monitoring you will need to be sure it is an intelligent switch. A hub is a fast cheap way to provide connectivity. What it does though is creates one large contention area or collision domain where each port contends for access to the backplane or segment.

Answer 2

A switch contains a table that stores mac addresses (smart) for each port. Then data (packet) is sent from a port it uses this table to decide exactly where this packet should go (port). This creates a virtual path between the two ports when data is transmitted. This is beneficial for multiple reasons.
1. Security - packet only goes to intended receiver
2. Speed – multiple data conversations can be going on at the same time. No collisions.

A hub does not have a mac address table (dumb). Therefore it has no idea who is where. So when data (packet) comes from one of the ports it has no choice but to flood all the ports with this data. This is a problem for multiple reasons.
1. Security - packets go to EVERYONE on hub. Great for people who want to listen to your network traffic and capture the packets for inspection. Not great for security.
2. Speed - Only one piece of data can be going across the device at once and this causes collisions. Data has to wait until it has an open path.

This is the simplistic answer that is the basic difference between hubs and switches. Yes switches depending on what you want and how much you spend can offer much more but the basic idea is highlighted above.

My source:
My memory derived from Cisco CCNA course materials and CCNA training.

Answer 3

Depends on what you are trying to do. They are designed for different fucntions.

Usually a "hub" is "dumb". It simply transfers all traffic through it. That is fine if you are inside a network and simply want to increase the number of available jacks at a location.

A "switch" is more intelligent. It can do monitoring, watch for viruses, may be able to hold a DNS/router table. etc. It is designed to act as the connection between your network and another. It is more secure and has more features.

So depends on whether you are using the device within your own secure network, or as an interface between networks.

Answer 4

For setting up a network to play games, a hub is definitely the better choice since it cheaper and much easier to set up.
Good luck
Hope this helps

Answer 5

use switch because it is more reliable in terms of sharing network.
hub are not equally share and the data are first come first serve

Answer 6

a switch is better.