Hub

1. When referring to a network, a hub is the most basic networking device that connects multiple computers or other network devices together. Unlike a network switch or router, a network hub has no routing tables or intelligence on where to send information and broadcasts all network data across each connection. Most hubs can detect basic network errors such as collisions, but having all information broadcast to multiple ports can be a security risk and cause bottlenecks. In the past network hubs were popular because they were much cheaper than a switch and router, but today most switches are not much more than hubs and are a much better solution for any network.

 

2. In general, a hub refers to a hardware device that enables multiple devices or connections to be connected to a computer. Another example besides the one given above is a USB hub, which allows dozens of USB devices to be connected to one computer, even though that computer may only have a few USB connections. In the picture to the right, is an example of a USB hub.