How do hubs, switches, routers, and access points differ
Hubs,
switches,
routers,
and access
points are all used to connect computers together on a network, but each of
them has different capabilities.
Hubs
Hubs enable computers on a network
to communicate. Each computer plugs into the hub with an Ethernet
cable, and information sent from one computer to another passes through the hub.
A hub can't identify the source or intended destination of the information it
receives, so it sends the information to all of the computers connected to it,
including the one that sent it. A hub can send or receive information, but it
can't do both at the same time. This makes hubs slower than switches. Hubs are
the least complex and the least expensive of these devices.
Switches
Switches work the same way as hubs, but they can identify the
intended destination of the information that they receive, so they send that
information to only the computers that are supposed to receive it. Switches can
send and receive information at the same time, so they can send information
faster than hubs can. If your home network has four or more computers or you
want to use your network for activities that require passing a lot of
information between computers (such as playing network games or sharing music),
you should probably use a switch instead of a hub. Switches cost a little more
than hubs.
Routers
Routers enable computers to communicate and they can pass
information between two networks—such as between your home network and the
Internet. This capability to direct network traffic
is what gives the router its name. Routers can be wired (using Ethernet cables)
or wireless. If you just want to connect your computers, hubs and switches work
well; however, if you want to give all of your computers access to the Internet
using one modem,
use a router or a modem with a built-in router. Routers also typically provide
built-in security, such as a firewall.
Routers are more expensive than hubs and switches.
Access points
Access points (also called base
stations) provide wireless access to a wired Ethernet network. An access
point plugs into a hub, switch, or wired router and sends out wireless signals.
This enables computers and devices to connect to a wired network wirelessly.
Access points act a lot like cellular phone towers: you can move from one
location to another and continue to have wireless access to a network. When you
connect to the Internet wirelessly using a public wireless network in an
airport, coffee shop, or hotel, you are usually connecting through an access
point. If you want to connect your computers wirelessly and you have a router
that provides wireless capability, you don't need an access point. Access points
don't have built-in technology for sharing Internet connections. To share an
Internet connection, you must plug an access point into a router or a modem with
a built-in router.
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