What is HUB? full Explanation | Computer Networking

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains the concept of a network hub, a device used to connect multiple computers in a network. The hub broadcasts messages to all connected devices, making it cost-effective, simple to use, and ideal for small LAN setups. However, it has significant disadvantages, such as security risks, privacy concerns, and limited network performance due to congestion. The hub also lacks full-duplex communication, meaning it can't send and receive data simultaneously. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a popular choice for basic networking tasks in environments like schools and offices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video explains the concept of network devices, their advantages, and disadvantages, which are crucial topics for networking exams.
• 😀 Network devices are used to connect multiple computers in a network, allowing data to be transmitted across devices.
• 😀 A network device works on the principle of broadcasting, meaning that messages sent through it are received by all connected devices, similar to a WhatsApp group chat.
• 😀 The cost of network devices is relatively low, and they are less complex and intelligent compared to other devices.
• 😀 Network devices are useful for setting up Local Area Networks (LAN), where they allow multiple computers to be connected within a specific area, like a school or office.
• 😀 Transmission mode in network devices can be simplex, meaning messages can either be sent or received at any one time, but not both simultaneously.
• 😀 A network hub, which is a common network device, sends messages from one computer to all connected devices, making it efficient but less secure.
• 😀 One major disadvantage of hubs is the lack of security, as private messages sent from one computer reach all devices in the network.
• 😀 Network hubs do not provide data encryption or privacy, meaning all devices on the network can access the data even if not intended for them.
• 😀 While network hubs are cost-effective, their inability to handle high-speed internet effectively and lack of security features are key drawbacks.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the ease of adding new devices to a network with a hub, making it a simple but less secure choice for LAN setups.

Q & A

What is a network hub and how does it work?

A network hub is a simple device used to connect multiple computers in a network. It works by broadcasting any data it receives to all the devices connected to it, allowing all devices to communicate with each other. Essentially, when one device sends data, the hub transmits it to every connected device.

What are the main advantages of using a hub in a network?

The main advantages of using a hub are its low cost, simplicity, and ease of setup. It is a great choice for small networks or for situations where advanced functionality like security or data filtering is not required. Additionally, new devices can be easily added to the network without complicated configuration.

Why is security considered a disadvantage of using a hub?

Security is a disadvantage because hubs broadcast all data to every connected device. This means that sensitive or private information is not protected, as it can be accessed by any device on the network. There is no data filtering or encryption provided by the hub.

What does it mean that a hub uses half-duplex communication?

Half-duplex communication means that a hub can either send or receive data at any given time, but it cannot do both simultaneously. This can lead to inefficiencies, especially in busy networks where devices need to both send and receive data at the same time.

How does a hub differ from other network devices like switches or routers?

A hub is simpler and less intelligent than switches or routers. It simply broadcasts data to all devices connected to it, whereas switches can intelligently direct data to specific devices based on their addresses. Routers manage traffic between different networks and often provide additional security features. Hubs do not filter data, which can lead to network inefficiencies and security risks.

What are the main disadvantages of using a hub in a network?

The main disadvantages include lack of security, inefficiency due to half-duplex communication, and limited scalability. Additionally, if the hub fails, the entire network is impacted. Hubs are also not suitable for large or high-performance networks because they do not handle data transmission efficiently.

In what type of network scenarios would a hub be most useful?

Hubs are most useful in small, simple networks where cost is a major concern and security or performance is not a priority. They are often used in local area networks (LANs) in schools, offices, or home networks where only basic connectivity is required.

Why is it important that hubs are less intelligent than switches or routers?

It’s important because while hubs are less expensive and easier to set up, their lack of intelligence limits their ability to efficiently manage network traffic. Switches and routers can filter and direct traffic, reducing congestion and improving overall network performance, which hubs cannot do.

Can a network hub handle private messages securely?

No, a network hub cannot handle private messages securely. Since a hub broadcasts data to all connected devices, any private message sent through the hub will be received by all devices on the network, compromising its confidentiality.

What happens if a hub fails in a network?

If a hub fails, all the devices connected to it will lose their ability to communicate with each other, as the hub is the central point of connection. This can cause network disruption, making hubs unsuitable for critical or large-scale networks.