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Definition

Hub is a connecting device in which various types of cables are connected to centralize network traffic through a single connecting point.

Description

• Hub with multiple ports are used to connect topologies, segments of LAN and to monitor network traffic.
• It manages and controls the send and received data to and from the computers.
• Hub works on the physical layer of OSI or TCP/IP model.
• To avoid collision of data CSMA/CD protocol is used and protocol varies depending upon the vendor.

Types

Active hub

• Can store, amplify, split and retransmit the received signals.
• Requires additional electronic circuit for performing different functions.
• It does work of repeater to amplify the signal, so it is also called as repeater.

Passive hub

• Can only forward received signal without amplifying it.
• It doesn't content any additional electronic circuit.

Intelligent hub

• Performs functions of both active and passive hub.
• Quickly routes the signals between the ports of hub.
• Also performs different functions of router and bridge.
• So it is called as intelligent hub.