Difference Between Router and Hub

Last Updated : 18 Sep, 2024

A hub is like a simple splitter for network connections. When it get the information it sends it to the devices connected to it. It doesn't know which device should get the information so it sends it to everyone. This makes the network slow and less safe. A router is smarter. It knows where to send the information. When it gets data it looks at where it needs to go and then sends it only to the right device. This makes the network fast and safe. Routers can also connect the different networks together like linking your home network to a internet.

What is Router?

The Router is a networking device that works at a network layer a third layer of the ISO-OSI model. It establishes the simple connection between the networks in order to provide a data flow between the networks. A Router transfers data in the form of a packet is used in a LAN as well as MAN. It works on a network layer 3 and is used in the LANs, MANs and the WANs. It stores a IP addresses and maintains the addresses on its own.

Advantages of Router

The Routers divide a large networks into the smaller sub networks, improving a performance and security by controlling the traffic flow between the segments.

Routers enable the multiple devices to share the single internet connection allowing homes and businesses to connect the numerous devices simultaneously.

The Routers can prioritize the certain types of a data traffic ensuring the critical applications receive the sufficient bandwidth and maintaining the network efficiency.

Disadvantages of Router

The High quality routers can be expensive especially for the small businesses or the home users requiring the advanced features or coverage for the large areas.

Setting up and managing the routers can be challenging for the non technical users, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities if not configured correctly.

If a router malfunctions it can disrupt the internet access for all the connected devices potentially impacting productivity in the both home and business environments.

What is Hub?

Hub is a simple networking device that operates only on the physical layer i.e., first layer of the ISO-OSI model. Hub is used to transmit the signal in the form of electric signals and does not provide packet filtering. It is type of half-duplex transmission mode and is generally used in LAN only. It is also known as a repeater as it transmits signal to every port except the port from where signal is received. Also, hubs are not that intelligent in communication and processing information for 2nd and 3rd layer.

Advantages of Hub

Hubs are easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration. This makes them suitable for basic network setups or users with limited technical knowledge.

Hubs are mostly less expensive than more the advanced networking devices like switches and routers making them a budget friendly option for the small networks.

Hubs allow for the easy expansion of the network by providing the multiple ports to connect devices enabling a quick addition of new computers or the peripherals.

Disadvantages of Hub

Hubs share bandwidth among all connected devices, potentially leading to slower network performance as more devices are added or network traffic increases.

Hubs broadcast the data to all the connected devices which can create the security vulnerabilities as any device on the network can potentially intercept the data meant for others.

Since hubs operate in half-duplex mode and use CSMA/CD they can lead to the increased collisions and network congestion especially in busier the network environments.