The ability to network or connect to different devices is one of the biggest technological advancements of modern society. It allows us to transfer data from one device to another, ultimately providing our LAN and WAN.

The most reliable way to connect to a network is through wires, such as an Ethernet cable. However, since each device will have limited Ethernet ports, you'll need a network switch or a hub.

These network devices allow several computers to connect to a central station, providing a network connection. However, an Ethernet switch and a hub differ in some ways, which we'll discuss below.

Ethernet Switch vs. Hub: Understanding the Similarities and Differences

An Ethernet switch and a hub have many similarities. Both provide multiple ports for Ethernet (LAN) cables and options for other wired connections such as BNC and fiber optics. You can quickly identify these devices inside a network as the rectangular box-shaped device where all the LAN cables are connected.

Many people will have a hard time identifying a network switch from a hub. If you are in the market for one of them specifically, read labels at the store or ask the seller if you are buying online.

This is an Ethernet switch:

While this is an Ethernet hub:

Although an Ethernet switch and hub may have a similar purpose of passing data from one device to another, they differ in the method of relaying these data signals. This is because they work on different layers of the OSI model. The layer in which they operate dictates the capabilities and limitations of each device and their use case scenarios.

To further understand the difference between a network switch and a hub, let us briefly discuss each device on what they are, what they are for, and their strengths and weaknesses inside a network.

Let's start with the network switch, as they are the most commonly used of the two.

The Ethernet Switch

A simple Ethernet switch is a data processing device that primarily operates on layer 2 (data-link layer) of the OSI model. Operating on the data link layer enables an Ethernet switch to use MAC address tables.

Access to a list of MAC addresses allows an Ethernet switch to send and receive data on specific devices connected to it. What's great about MAC addresses is that they will always be unique, reducing data traffic collisions and other problems.

Some network switches can operate on both layer 2 and layer 3 (network layer) of the OSI model. So, aside from a MAC address table, these layer 3 switches will also have access to an IP routing table, allowing redirection of data through IP addresses assigned within the network.

When to Use an Ethernet Switch

Many would agree that network switches are superior in every way to a hub. Although this isn't necessarily true, they have some very good reasons to believe so.

As a full-duplex network bridge that operates on the data link layer and sometimes the network layer, a switch provides better speed, privacy, security, and versatility when compared to a hub. For these reasons, a switch is used on almost every network that needs more Ethernet ports than a router can provide.

You should opt for a network switch if you are designing a network for home, school, office, or business. Basically, when in doubt, use a switch. You simply can't go wrong with one.

The Ethernet Hub

An Ethernet hub or network hub is a simple networking device that extends a network by providing multiple Ethernet ports. It operates under the physical layer (layer 1) of the OSI model and doesn't need further administration as its only function is to copy and forward data to all clients (computers, printers, smart TVs, ETC) connected to the hub.

This means that if you try to send any message to one computer, all the computers within the network will also receive the message. So, as you can imagine, the downside of using a hub is zero privacy within the network.

Since an Ethernet hub uses simple electronics and is easier to manufacture, it can be cheaper than a network switch. However, since unmanaged switches are already relatively inexpensive, saving a few bucks on a hub and missing out on all the features of a switch is just not worth it—unless you're using a hub for other reasons!

When to Use an Ethernet Hub

Although an Ethernet hub is mostly obsolete, there are still a few use case scenarios where using a hub is more practical than a switch.

A hub can be a viable option where a network is designed to be used for mass production. Maybe you have a 3D printing business where you mass-produce 3D printed parts for the consumer market. Since you are sending the same designs to multiple 3d printers anyway, a simple hub should work perfectly.

Another viable use case for the dumb half-duplex hub is when you need to monitor a client. Cybersecurity specialists and admins can use an Ethernet hub to monitor data packets where the client has zero ability to mask or hide information being sent or received.

Although network hubs have very few use case scenarios, they will always have a place in certain networks. You just have to understand their limitations and make sure the network is fine with them.

Hub vs. Switch: Which One Should You Get?

It can be hard to identify whether a device is a switch or a hub. After all, both look physically the same and have the similar purpose of forwarding data and providing Ethernet ports for client devices.

To sum it all up, a network switch uses MAC addresses and sometimes IP routing tables to forward data to a specific client device. In contrast, a network hub is a device that replicates all data it receives and forwards it to every client device connected to it.

Use an Ethernet hub if you are designing a network where you want a multitude of devices to follow automated repetitive tasks. If you don't have a good reason to use a hub, always use an Ethernet switch as it is full-duplex, secure, and provides privacy within the network.

Now that you understand the differences between these two devices, hopefully, you'll have a better idea of whether to use a switch or a hub in your network.