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Advantages and Disadvantages of Hub
A hub is a networking device that is used to connect multiple devices in a network. Its main function is to receive data from one device and then broadcasted it to all its ports. It works at the physical layer of the ISO/OSI model. This is also called a multiport repeater because it does broadcast to every port in which some devices are connected. and to do this it uses fiber optics cable or twisted pair cable. It works in half duplex mode. It has many advantages and disadvantages; in this article, we will be exploring some of those which are commonly known.
Advantages
There are several advantages of using a hub in a computer network few of which are mentioned below −
Centralization − Centralization in the context refers to the fact that all the communication between devices on a network is funneled through a single point, which is the hub this means the hub is the central point of control for the network, and all communication must pass through it that’s why, saying centralization.
Easy to use − Hubs are simple devices that do not require any configuration or software installation to manage them. Simply connect the devices to the hub they will start communicating with each other.
Cost-effectiveness − Hubs are relatively less expensive compared to other networking devices such as switches and routers.
Basic network connectivity − a hub provides basic network connectivity by allowing devices to communicate with each other in a LAN. This is useful for small-size networks, where only a few devices need to be connected.
Widely available − hubs are widely available in the market and they can be found in many different configurations. To suit different network requirements.
Compatibility − Hubs are compatible with most devices and operating systems, making them a wide-use network solution.
Expandable − Hubs are expandable if required we can add more hubs to them and they together can be connected through cable. And more devices can access the internet.
Flexibility − Hubs are compatible with a wide range of networking protocols and can connect different types of devices such as computers, printers, and servers, allowing for a flexible and versatile network.
Easy to install − Hubs are easy to install compared to routers and switches. It’s like plug and play because just plug the hub into the power switch, and connect the devices to it and when the signal comes through the hub, it automatically starts working.
Limited network traffic − One advantage of hubs is that they limit network traffic in small networks with low traffic. When a device is connected to a hub it sends data, and the hub broadcasts that data to all other devices connected to it. Each device connected to the hub checks to see if the data is intended for it. If it is not, the device simply discards the data.
Disadvantages of Hub
Limited Bandwidth − Hubs have a limited amount of bandwidth, which is shared among all the devices connected to them. As more devices are added to the network, the available bandwidth decreases, leading to slower data transfer speeds. In contrast, switches have dedicated bandwidth for each port, which enables faster communication and prevents network congestion.
Single Point of Failure − A hub is a central point in a network where all the devices connect. If the hub fails, the entire network becomes down. This means that a single point of failure can cause a network-wide outage, which is the measure disadvantage. Switches have dedicated bandwidth for each port, which provides faster communication and avoids network traffic.
Security Vulnerabilities − hubs work at the physical layer of the ISO/OSI model, which means they don’t have any security features. This makes them vulnerable to attacks, such as eavesdropping and data interception. Switches on the other hand works at the data link layer and offer security features such as VLANs, MAC filtering, and port security.
Broadcast Storms − In a hub-based network, if one device broadcasts a message, all the other devices on the network receive it. This can lead to a broadcast storm, where too many messages are sent at once, clogging up the network and slowing down communication. Switches prevent this by using unicast and multicast broadcasts, which only send messages to the intended recipients.
Conclusion
Hubs have both plus points as well as minus points that should be considered carefully before choosing this networking device. One of the main advantages of hubs is their low cost, making them an affordable option for small networks. Additionally, it is very easy to use and does not have complex functionalities. Making a convenient choice for naïve users. However, hubs have several significant disadvantages, including their limited bandwidth, which can result in slower network speeds and increased congestion.
They cannot also differentiate between different types of network traffic, which can lead to security vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the decision to use a hub will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the network, and it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully before making a decision.
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