Hub
- When referring to a network, a hub is the most basic networking device that connects multiple computers or other network devices together. Unlike a network switch or router, a network hub has no routing tables or intelligence on where to send information and broadcasts all network data across each connection.
- Most hubs can detect basic network errors such as collisions, but having all information broadcast to multiple ports can be a security risk and cause bottlenecks.
- In the past network hubs were popular because they were much cheaper than a switch and router, but today most switches do not cost much more than a hub and are a much better solution for any network.
- In general, a hub refers to a hardware device that enables multiple devices or connections to be connected to a computer.
- Another example besides the one given above is aUSB hub, which allows dozens of USB devices to be connected to one computer, even though that computer may only have a few USB connections. The picture is an example of a USB hub.
