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A network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses MAC addresses to forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Some switches can also forward data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality. Such switches are commonly known as layer-3 switches or multilayer switches. [2]
4-port 10BASE-T Ethernet hub with selectable MDI-X/MDI port 8-port Ethernet hub with one 10BASE2 connector and eight 10BASE-T ports. An Ethernet hub, active hub, network hub, repeater hub, multiport repeater, or simply hub [a] is a network hardware device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together and making them act as a single network segment.
The hub manages and controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. In a typical network the hub can be a network switch, ethernet hub, wireless access point or a router. The star topology reduces the impact of a transmission line failure by independently connecting each host to the hub.
Depending on whether the diagram is intended for formal or informal use, certain details may be lacking and must be determined from context. For example, the sample diagram does not indicate the physical type of connection between the PCs and the switch, but since a modern LAN is depicted, Ethernet may be assumed.
Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes, etc.) of a communication network. [1] [2] Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of telecommunication networks, including command and control radio networks, [3] industrial fieldbusses and computer networks.
An Ethernet repeater with multiple ports is known as an Ethernet hub. In addition to reconditioning and distributing network signals, a repeater hub assists with collision detection and fault isolation for the network. Hubs and repeaters in LANs have been largely obsoleted by modern network switches.
Exchanging cheap repeater hubs for more advanced switching hubs provided a viable upgrade path; Mixing different speeds in a single network became possible with the arrival of Fast Ethernet; Depending on cable grades, subsequent upgrading to Gigabit Ethernet or faster could be accomplished by replacing the network switches
Hub with three MDI-X ports and one switchable port, circa 1998 Switch showing one logical port, 16, with two physical ports, one in each conductor arrangement: MDI-X (the norm for a hub or switch), labelled 16x, and MDI, labelled Uplink, for connecting to another hub or switch with a normal straight-through cable