Difference Between Hub, Switch, and Router

Overview

The video discusses the roles and differences between hubs, switches, and routers in networking.
All three devices connect network devices, but they handle data differently.

Purpose: Connects all network devices in an internal network.
Functionality:
- Has multiple ports for Ethernet connections.
- Considered non-intelligent; does not filter data.
- When a data packet arrives, it is copied to all other ports (rebroadcast).
- All devices connected to the hub see the data packet, even if not intended for them.
Issues:
- Security concerns due to all devices receiving the same data.
- Creates unnecessary traffic, wasting bandwidth.

Purpose: Similar to a hub, connects multiple network devices.
Functionality:
- Intelligent device that learns and stores MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of connected devices.
- Directs data packets only to the intended destination port based on stored MAC addresses.
- More efficient than a hub, reducing unnecessary traffic.
Comparison with Hub:
- Hubs detect devices physically connected; switches keep a record of specific devices.

Purpose: Routes data between different networks.
Functionality:
- Inspects data packets to determine their IP (Internet Protocol) address.
- Forwards packets to the intended network or rejects them if not meant for its own network.
- Acts as a gateway for a network.
Interaction with Networks:
- Routers accept packets that belong to their network and reject others.
- Essential for data exchange outside local networks (e.g., over the internet).

Within Local Area Network (LAN):
- Hubs and switches facilitate communication between devices within a single network.
Between Networks:
- Routers connect different networks and manage traffic between them.
- Example: Data from a computer in the red network sent to a computer in the blue network travels via routers across the internet.