What differentiates a hub from a switch?

The distinction between a hub and a switch is primarily based on how they handle data traffic within a network. A hub is a simple networking device that connects multiple devices on a network and operates purely at a basic level by broadcasting data packets to all connected ports. This means that whenever a device sends out data, the hub indiscriminately transmits that data to every device it is connected to, regardless of the intended recipient. This can lead to inefficiencies since it doesn't manage the traffic, resulting in potential collisions when multiple devices try to communicate simultaneously.

In contrast, a switch operates at a more advanced level. It intelligently directs data packets only to the specific device for which the data is intended. The switch maintains a table of the MAC addresses of devices connected to its ports. When data arrives at the switch, it checks this table and forwards the data only to the correct port, leading to more efficient data transmission and reduced network congestion. This fundamental difference in data handling—broadcasting versus directing—is what clearly differentiates a hub from a switch.

The other choices do not accurately capture the core functionality of hubs and switches. For instance, the claim that a hub connects multiple networks is misleading, as both devices operate within the same network context. Similarly,