Hub, switch, router

7 Sep 2006 8:18 PM

Bob Day

What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
distinct items...

Thanks
Bob

7 Sep 2006 8:45 PM

BobC

On Thu, 7 Sep 2006 16:18:59 -0400, Bob Day wrote:

> What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
> terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
> distinct items...
>
> Thanks
> Bob

Where have you seen the terms used interchanageably? They are each unique
in their function and capabilities. Search Google for differences and specs
for these devices.

7 Sep 2006 9:39 PM

Ron Martell

"Bob Day" <Bob***@TouchTalk.net> wrote:

>What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
>terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
>distinct items...
>

Hub: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_hub
Switch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_switch
Router: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router

Note that most routers sold for home & small office use also contain a
4 port switch (sometimes 8 port).

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

8 Sep 2006 9:43 AM

saifuhameed

Bob Day wrote:

> What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
> terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
> distinct items...
>

For a basic networking solution these devices have similar
functionality.
But their working principles are different. Hub and switch (aka
switching hub)
can be grouped to the same category.

On a network with hub, when a pc needs to communicate to another pc,
it send a packet of data to the port to which it physically connected.
When this packet reaches this port, the port copies or forwards this
packet of data to all other ports. so all other devices connected to
the hub can see this packet.

But a switch replaced with a hub do the job intelligently. It learns
the receiving packet to know the destination port and it forwards the
packet only to that port. In this way multiple communications can be
done at the same time because other ports are free. So switch is fast
and more efficient.

Router is used to connect 2 or more LANs or to break a large network
into small network groups. for a large network split with router there
may be more than one router in the network, routers can communicate
each other to know the routes to reach a computer.

Hopes this will clarify the difference.

Saifudheen.

8 Sep 2006 2:34 PM

Bob Day

Ok, all of that makes sense.

The why does D-Link call its 4 10/100 ethernet port and WiFi Wires Access
point a Wireless Router? It seems that it would be considered a switch.
This is on a simple home network.

Thanks, bob

<saifuham***@gmail.com> wrote in message
Show quoteHide quote

news:1157708611.075056.22110@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Bob Day wrote:
>> What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
>> terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
>> distinct items...
>>
>
> For a basic networking solution these devices have similar
> functionality.
> But their working principles are different. Hub and switch (aka
> switching hub)
> can be grouped to the same category.
>
> On a network with hub, when a pc needs to communicate to another pc,
> it send a packet of data to the port to which it physically connected.
> When this packet reaches this port, the port copies or forwards this
> packet of data to all other ports. so all other devices connected to
> the hub can see this packet.
>
> But a switch replaced with a hub do the job intelligently. It learns
> the receiving packet to know the destination port and it forwards the
> packet only to that port. In this way multiple communications can be
> done at the same time because other ports are free. So switch is fast
> and more efficient.
>
> Router is used to connect 2 or more LANs or to break a large network
> into small network groups. for a large network split with router there
> may be more than one router in the network, routers can communicate
> each other to know the routes to reach a computer.
>
> Hopes this will clarify the difference.
>
> Saifudheen.
>

8 Sep 2006 4:53 PM

John Weiss

"Bob Day" <Bob***@TouchTalk.net> wrote...
>
> The why does D-Link call its 4 10/100 ethernet port and WiFi Wires Access
> point a Wireless Router? It seems that it would be considered a switch.
> This is on a simple home network.

That router separates the Internet (a "Wide Area Network" or WAN) from your
home network (a "Local Area Network" or LAN).

You can use it for JUST the LAN portion by using the 4 LAN ports and
wireless functionality alone. Then it acts just like a switch.

As soon as you connect the WAN port to your cable or DSL connection, you are
using its Router functionality, bridging your LAN with the WAN that is the
Internet.

8 Sep 2006 5:07 PM

Jack (MVP-Networking).

Hi

The three first pages were written ages ago. You might ignore the prices,
and the specific choice of hardware, stick with the principles they are
still the same.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing -
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? -
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48

Wireless Principles - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=122

The whole thing should like this, http://www.ezlan.net/network/router.jpg

Jack (MVP-Networking).

Show quoteHide quote

"Bob Day" <Bob***@TouchTalk.net> wrote in message
news:eLcDcrr0GHA.772@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> What is the difference between a hub, router and switch? I have seen the
> terms used interchangeably, but then also seen them used as if they are
> distinct items...
>
> Thanks
> Bob
>