A hub is a basic networking device used to connect multiple devices in a local area network (LAN), but it broadcasts data to all connected devices without filtering.
Hub: A Layer 1 (Physical Layer) device that connects network devices and forwards data to all ports, regardless of the destination.
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Ports | Typically 4, 8, or 16 Ethernet ports |
| Speed | 10 Mbps (Ethernet) or 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) |
| Type | Active (requires power) or Passive (no power) |
| Layer | Operates at OSI Layer 1 (Physical Layer) |
| Collision Domain | All ports share a single collision domain |
A hub is a simple device for connecting network devices but lacks intelligence. It broadcasts data to all ports, leading to inefficiencies. It has been largely replaced by switches in modern networks.