A network hub connects multiple devices on the same local network

A network hub is a physical device that lets you plug in several computers, printers, or other networked equipment using ethernet cables. When one device sends data, the hub broadcasts that data to every port it has — which is why hubs are sometimes called "dumb" devices. They do not read addresses or direct traffic; they simply repeat whatever comes in on one port out to all the others.

Hubs are now largely replaced by switches, which do the same job but smarter — they learn which devices are on which ports and send data only where it needs to go. If you are shopping for new equipment, a switch is almost always the better choice. Hubs still exist in older installations and in some specialized industrial settings, but for home or small office use, you are unlikely to need one.

Key Takeaways

  • A hub broadcasts incoming data to all connected ports at once, while a switch learns device addresses and sends data only to the correct port.
  • Hubs create network collisions and slow performance when multiple devices transmit simultaneously, making them unsuitable for modern use.
  • Switches cost only slightly more than hubs and deliver faster, more reliable connections for any new installation.
  • Hubs may still appear in older networks or legacy systems, but replacing them with switches is a straightforward upgrade.

How a hub differs from a switch

The core difference is how each device handles incoming data. When a computer sends a packet through a hub, the hub repeats that packet to every other port simultaneously. The receiving device recognizes its own address and accepts the data; all other devices ignore it. This works, but it wastes bandwidth and creates collisions — moments when two devices transmit at the same time and their signals interfere.

A switch, by contrast, reads the destination address on each packet and sends it only to the port where that device is connected. This eliminates collisions, frees up bandwidth for other traffic, and lets multiple conversations happen at once without interference. On a hub, if five devices are all trying to send data, they must take turns. On a switch, they can transmit simultaneously to different destinations.

The performance difference is noticeable even on small networks. A hub shared among four computers might deliver 10 Mbps per device; the same switch might deliver 100 Mbps per device. For modern uses — video calls, file transfers, streaming — a switch is essential.

When you might encounter a hub in the field

Most hubs in active use today are in older buildings or legacy industrial systems that have not been upgraded. You might find one in a warehouse, a factory floor, or a decades-old office where the network was installed in the 1990s and left alone. Some specialized equipment — certain industrial sensors, older test equipment, or niche devices — may still require a hub rather than a switch, though this is rare.

If you discover a hub in your network, it is usually a sign that the installation is due for an upgrade. Replacing it with a switch is inexpensive and straightforward: unplug the cables from the hub, plug them into the switch, and power it on. Most switches work immediately with no configuration needed.

Hub specifications and port counts

Hubs come in a few standard sizes. The most common are 4-port, 8-port, and 16-port models. A 4-port hub lets you connect four devices; an 8-port hub connects eight, and so on. One port is usually reserved for an uplink — a connection to another hub or switch — so an 8-port hub typically gives you seven usable ports for devices.

Hubs also come in different speed ratings: 10 Mbps (very old), 100 Mbps (common in older installations), and gigabit (1000 Mbps, though rare for hubs). The speed rating tells you the maximum throughput per port. A 100 Mbps hub shared among four devices means each device gets roughly 25 Mbps when all are transmitting — and that is before collisions slow things down further.

Power requirements are minimal. Most hubs draw less than 10 watts and can run from a standard wall outlet or a power strip. They generate little heat and require no active cooling.

Why switches have replaced hubs in modern networks

Switches became the standard because they solve the core problems hubs create. They eliminate collisions, deliver full bandwidth to each port, and cost only a few dollars more than a hub. A basic 8-port gigabit switch costs between $20 and $50; a hub of the same size might cost $10 to $20 — a difference that does not justify the performance loss.

Network standards have also evolved. Modern ethernet protocols assume intelligent switching; they do not work well on hubs. If you try to run a modern high-speed network on a hub, you will see dropped packets, timeouts, and devices that disconnect and reconnect repeatedly.

For these reasons, hubs are no longer manufactured for general use. If you need to connect multiple devices, a switch is the only practical choice.

Choosing between hub and switch for an older installation

If you are maintaining or upgrading an older network that currently uses a hub, the decision is simple: replace it with a switch. There is no scenario in which keeping a hub makes sense if a switch is available. The cost difference is negligible, the performance gain is dramatic, and installation takes minutes.

When shopping for a replacement, match the port count to your needs. If you have four devices to connect, a 5-port switch gives you one spare port for future growth. If you have eight, an 8-port or 16-port switch is appropriate. For most small offices or homes, an 8-port gigabit switch is the standard choice — it handles current needs and leaves room to expand.

Make sure the switch supports the speed you need. Gigabit (1000 Mbps) is now the baseline for any new purchase. Older 100 Mbps switches still work but will become a bottleneck as devices and internet speeds improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hub and a switch together on the same network?

Yes, you can connect a hub to a switch port, and devices on the hub will communicate with the rest of the network. However, the hub will still create collisions among its own ports, so performance on the hub side will suffer. If you are adding capacity, add another switch instead.

Do hubs need to be configured or set up?

No. Hubs are plug-and-play devices with no configuration. Plug in the power, connect your cables, and they work immediately. Switches are equally simple for basic use, though some managed switches offer optional configuration for advanced features.

What is an uplink port on a hub?

An uplink port is a connection point designed to link one hub or switch to another. On older hubs, the uplink port was sometimes a separate connector; on modern switches, any port can serve as an uplink. It lets you expand your network by chaining devices together.

Will a hub work with modern computers and devices?

Technically yes, but performance will be poor. Modern devices expect to send and receive data at high speed without collisions. A hub will force them to share bandwidth and deal with interference, leading to slow transfers and dropped connections. A switch is required for reliable modern networking.

How do I know if I have a hub or a switch?

Look at the device itself. Hubs are usually smaller, lighter, and have a simple plastic case. Switches are often slightly larger and may have indicator lights for each port. The easiest way to tell is to check the label on the back — it will say "hub" or "switch" explicitly. If you are unsure, a network technician can identify it in seconds.