Introduction to Hubs

By Juan Hernandez

A hub is a special type of network device that can be used in home and small business networks. A hub is a relatively small plastic rectangular box that plugs into a wall outlet for power. The function of a hub is to join together multiple computers and other network devices to form a network segment. The hub allows the devices to communicate directly with each other. A hub can be for an Ethernet or can be used for USB connections as well. A hub has ports where network cables can be inserted. The number of ports on a hub can be four, eight, twelve, sixteen, and twenty-four.

Basically, a hub is not interested in the data that is passed through them. A hub simply receives the information and broadcasts the information to all of the devices connected on the hub (on the network), even the one that sent the information.

There are three different types of hubs: passive, active, and intelligent. Passive hubs simply send the information to all the devices on the network, also referred to as a concentrator. Active hubs also pass the information to all the devices on the network, but before doing so an active hub will amplify the electrical signal, also referred to as a repeater. Intelligent hubs are active hubs with added extra features that are particular to the use of the network.

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