Switch vs. Router vs. Hub: How to Choose

An Ethernet switch connects devices such as computers, printers and servers to LANs to make sure data arrives at its intended destination. Devices on a network can communicate seamlessly when connected via a switch. These switches have multiple Ethernet ports to provide connectivity to multiple devices, making them essential hardware for networking.

Switches are the most common network equipment on modern networks. An Ethernet switch can also be wired to a router via a cable that plugs into an Ethernet port, which allows users to access the internet through a modem.

Organizations may implement switches as either hardware or software-based virtual devices that govern physical systems. Large networks may deploy multiple switches that connect different users and devices. Connection with a router enables these networked devices to access the internet.

While some routers are manufactured as a network switch and router combo, a router on its own performs a separate function from the switch even though sometimes they are found in a single device. For a modular setup, the switch, hub and router will all be separate devices on the local network.

Switches have a number of important networking capabilities. These include:

• The ability to receive data packets: Devices on a network may transmit data to other devices on that network. Switches that receive this data examine information connected to the packet to determine its destination and forward it to the specified port.
• Data encapsulation: When data is traveling through different layers on a network, encapsulation adds information that ensures it gets to its destination accurately and securely.
• The ability to process identifying data: The switch reads identifying data in the header of a data packet, such as its source and its destination, to forward it to its intended destination.
• The ability to send packets: The switch transmits a packet of data to a destination Media Access Control (MAC) address, where the intended device receives and strips the packet.

A hub is a network device that connects devices on a LAN and acts as a central point of connection to multiple destinations and transmitting data to multiple ports. Hubs operate at the physical layer of the network (Layer 1).

Networks may use three different types of hubs:

1. Passive hubs connect devices on a network via cables without processing or amplifying the signals.
2. Active hubs use a power supply to strengthen the signal being transmitted through them. They are generally more expensive than passive hubs.
3. Intelligent hubs add management features to the capabilities of active hubs. They use units called management information bases to monitor network traffic and port configurations to identify and address network issues.

Routers are used to connect multiple networks and direct network traffic to its intended destination. This includes data packets such as files, communications and web interactions. The router reads data attached to a packet, such as the sender and destination, which it uses to prioritize the traffic and choose an optimal route for it.

A wireless router serves as the centerpiece of a wireless local area network, or WLAN. This device enables multiple devices to be connected on a wireless network. By connecting to a modem, a wireless router can deliver internet access to devices on its network.

Routers are common networking components that connect users to networks such as a LAN and the internet. They enable users to access network capabilities for communication, collaboration and information sharing.

Routers can also provide features such as firewalls and content filters that improve security and enable more precise network management. Routers can also connect to devices such as servers and printers, enabling access to them for users across the network.

A switch keeps track of the plugged-in devices accessing the network by their MAC addresses and will send received frames (packets of data transmitted as a single unit) to the designated port without causing lag on the network. Because a switch can direct data packets to a specific destination device, it is an effective option for large networks.

By comparison, a hub transmits data it receives to all connected devices on a network. A hub will share its bandwidth equally among all ports. It’s not a big deal when only a single PC or a few devices are broadcasting on the network; however, when numerous devices are active on the network on a 10/100 megabits per second hub, this can degrade performance.

A router works by connecting a network to another network via a modem. The most common connections involve LANs or WANs. The router will normally be found at the gateway to the network and perform the function of routing or passing on data packets along the network.

Since data packets contain the destination IP addresses of where they are headed, this enables routers and modems to communicate with each other using Internet Control Message Protocol to determine the most efficient path for transmitting data packets over the network to their destination point.

A switch will allow users on a network to share files or have printer-sharing services among wired and wireless devices signed in to the network. While switches don't have inherent network protection built in, a router will often have hardware-based firewall protection that is individually configurable to a network to provide optimal connectivity.

While a network switch can connect multiple devices and networks to expand the LAN, a router will allow a network to share a single IP address among multiple devices. In simpler terms, the Ethernet switch creates networks, and the router allows for connections between networks. The majority of routers have a single LAN port and single WAN port, while a switch will have multiple ports for different devices to communicate within the LAN, such as PCs and printers. The router will allow PCs and other connected devices to access the internet and other networks.

A wireless router can also transmit a Wi-Fi signal that wireless devices may connect to. This is especially convenient for allowing laptops and mobile devices onto the Wi-Fi network for internet access or giving accessibility to a printer with Wi-Fi capabilities that anyone logged in to the network may utilize. An Ethernet switch is limited to the devices that may be wired into it via an Ethernet cable plugged into the device’s Ethernet port.

An organization can integrate different combinations of hubs, routers and switches on its wired or wireless network. If you have only a few devices on your LAN, a hub may be a good choice for a central connection for your devices. If you need more connections, an Ethernet switch may be a better option than a hub. The reason is that there is less lag when you use the switch with multiple devices on a hub, since received frames will only be directed to devices active on the network.

Now that you know how an Ethernet switch works along with the functions of a hub and router, you can use this information to discover the perfect setup for your home or office network for the fastest internet connections and Wi-Fi speeds.