Hub

A hub may refer to any of the following:

1. When referring to a network, a hub is the most basic networking device that connects multiple computers or other network devices. 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 is a security risk and causes bottlenecks. In the past, network hubs were popular because they were cheaper than a switch or router. Today, switches do not cost more than a hub and are a better solution for any network.

Do hubs have an IP address?

No. A hub is a basic (dumb device) and does not need an IP address.

How many ports does a network hub have?

The number of ports on a network hub can vary from 4 to 100 ports depending on the hub.

2. In general, a hub refers to a hardware device that enables multiple devices or connections to connect to a computer. An example is a USB hub, which allows multiple USB devices to connect to one computer, even though that computer may only have a few USB connections. Pictured is an example of a USB hub.

Note

In the Device Manager, the root hub is your computer and the first USB hub.

Another example of a hub is a FireWire hub, which allows multiple FireWire devices to connect to a computer.

Note

Devices like an A/B box and a KVM are like a hub in that they allow multiple devices to work with one computer. However, these are different technologies with different abilities.

How many ports does a USB hub have?

The number of ports on a USB hub can vary from 4 ports to over 100 ports depending on the hub.

Bridge, Cascading hubs, Hardware terms, Network terms