HUB
A hub is a multi-port repeater. A hub connects multiple wires coming from different branches, for example, the connector in star topology which connects different stations. Hubs cannot filter data, so data packets are sent to all connected devices. In other words, the collision domain of all hosts connected through hub remains one. Hub does not have any routing table to store the data of ports and map destination addresses., the routing table is used to send/broadcast information across all the ports.
Types of HUB
- Active HUB: Active HUB regenerates and amplifies the electric signal before sending them to all connected device. This hub is suitable to transmit data for long distance connections over the network.
- Passive HUB: As the name suggests it does not amplify or regenerate electric signal, it is the simplest types of Hub among all and it is not suitable for long-distnace connections.
- Switching HUB: This is also known as intelligent HUB, they provide some additional functionality over active and passive hubs. They analyze data packets and make decisions based on MAC address and they are operated on DLL(Data Link Layer).
Physical Components of Computer Network
The physical components of a computer network include various software & hardware devices and media that enable connectivity and data exchange between devices. The server, client, peer, transmission media, and connecting devices make up the hardware components. The operating system and protocols are examples of software components. A computer network is made up of several computers connected so that resources and data can be shared. In this article, we will discuss every point about the physical component of a computer network.