The Role Of An Ethernet Hub

By Ace Winget

An Ethernet hub connects multiple computers or devices in order to form a network. Network switches have now largely replaced Ethernet hubs. There are a few instances where it´s better to use a hub rather than a switch, though none of the reasons to use a hub instead of a switch pertain to a typical network.

An Ethernet hub accepts the standard RJ-45 connector on an Ethernet CAT5 cable. Sounds like a mouthful, doesn´t it? Luckily you don´t need to worry about specifics because the typical network cable is this type. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of a computer and the other end into the Ethernet port of the hub.

An Ethernet hub typically has 4 or 5 Ethernet ports. But you can find ones with 6, 8, or 16 Ethernet ports. You can also connect a hub to other hubs, routers, or switches.

How a hub operates is pretty simple, it just broadcasts whatever it receives. When a hub receives a signal from a computer on the network it will rebroadcast that signal to all other computers and components attached to the hub. But because of all this broadcasting to every computer on the router you have the potential for a data collision. A data collision is where data sent from a computer is sent at the same time the hub sends a signal to that computer.

A hub is able to detect data collisions on the network and then broadcast a jam signal to all ports on the network. Due to these data collisions the number of hubs attached to one another is limited. For a 10 megabit a second network speed you can attach up to 4 hubs to each other and only 2 hubs can be connected for a 100 megabit a second network speed.

Some hubs are able to troubleshoot network problems in addition to detecting single data collisions, such as repeated collisions and jabbering. More advanced hubs will discern and disconnect the bad ports, isolating the problem.

When using a hub the slowest device connected to the hub sets the speed of the network. For example, if you have a 10/100 megabit per second hub the entire network´s speed will be 10 megabits per second if you´re using an old computer with a 10 megabit per second network adapter. Some hubs, called dual speed hubs, have been built to overcome this problem and can operate at 10 and 100 megabits per second.

Hubs have basically been replaced by switches. A switch acts similarly to a hub except that information is broadcast to the device the signal is intended for and not to every device connected to the switch. Most people find the improved speed and performance that comes with a switch, plus its low price, plenty of reason to replace their hub with a switch.

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Prime Electronics is an Earth-friendly business that focuses on recycling consumer electronics and replacement parts, including Directv Tivo Remotes, Avaya Phones, Cisco Modules, and Wireless Networking Equipment.