Hub vs. Router — What's the Difference?

Operates on the physical layer, broadcasting data to all connected devices.

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

Does not manage any traffic that passes through it.

Operates on the network layer, making decisions based on IP addresses.

A device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment.

Helps reduce network congestion through intelligent traffic management.

Boston, Massachusetts. Used with the.

Can connect multiple networks and manage traffic between them.

The center part of a wheel, fan, or propeller.

A power tool with a shaped cutter, used in carpentry for making grooves for joints, decorative mouldings, etc.

A center of activity or interest; a focal point

A device which forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network.

The central part, usually cylindrical, of a wheel; the nave.

One that routs, especially a machine tool that mills out the surface of metal or wood.

A point where many routes meet and traffic is distributed, dispensed, or diverted.

One that routes, especially one who prepares shipments for distribution and delivery.

A central facility providing a range of related services, such as a medical hub or an educational hub.

A device in a network that handles message transfers between computers.

(networking) A computer networking device connecting several Ethernet ports. See switch.

See gateway.

(surveying) A stake with a nail in it, used to mark a temporary point.

Someone who routes or directs items from one location to another.

(US) A rough protuberance or projecting obstruction.

(telecommunications) Any device that directs packets of information using the equivalent of Open Systems Interconnection layer 3 (network layer) information. Most commonly used in reference to Internet Protocol routers.

(video games) An area in a video game from which individual levels are accessed.

(Internet) A device that connects local area networks to form a larger internet by, at minimum, selectively passing those datagrams having a destination IP address to the network which is able to deliver them to their destination; a network gateway.

A goal or mark at which quoits, etc., are thrown.

In integrated circuit or printed circuit board design, an algorithm for adding all wires needed to properly connect all of the placed components while obeying all design rules.

A hardened, engraved steel punch for impressing a device upon a die, used in coining, etc.

A power tool used in carpentry for cutting grooves.

A screw hob.

A plane made like a spokeshave, for working the inside edges of circular sashes.

A block for scotching a wheel.

A plane with a hooked tool protruding far below the sole, for smoothing the bottom of a cavity.

The central part, usually cylindrical, of a wheel; the nave. See Illust. of Axle box.

To hollow out or cut using a router power tool.

The hilt of a weapon.

A plane made like a spokeshave, for working the inside edges of circular sashes.

A rough protuberance or projecting obstruction; as, a hub in the road. [U.S.] See Hubby.

A machine with a rapidly revolving vertical spindle and cutter for scooping out the surface of wood or metal, as between and around the engraved parts of an electrotype.

A goal or mark at which quoits, etc., are cast.

A worker who routes shipments for distribution and delivery

A hardened, engraved steel punch for impressing a device upon a die, used in coining, etc.

(computer science) a device that forwards data packets between computer networks

A screw hob. See Hob, 3.

A power tool with a shaped cutter; used in carpentry for cutting grooves

A block for scotching a wheel.

Typically provides security features like firewalls.

The central location within which activities tend to concentrate, or from which activities radiate outward; a focus of activity.

A large airport used as a central transfer station for an airline, permitting economic air transportation between remote locations by directing travellers through the hub, often changing planes at the hub, and thus keeping the seat occupancy rate on the airplanes high. The hub together with the feeder lines from remote locations constitute the so-called hub and spoke system of commercial air passenger transportation. A commercial airline may have more than one such hub.

The city of Boston, Massachusetts referred to locally by the nickname The Hub.

The central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes

A center of activity or interest or commerce or transportation; a focal point around which events revolve;

Generally has multiple ports to connect various devices.

Prone to network collisions due to simultaneous data broadcasts.

Yes, routers can enhance network security through features like firewalls and access controls.

A hub's main function is to connect multiple Ethernet devices into a single network segment.

A router intelligently routes data to specific devices based on IP addresses, unlike a hub which broadcasts to all devices.

Hubs are not suitable for networks where data security is a concern due to their broadcast nature.

A router is recommended for handling large network traffic due to its ability to manage and route data efficiently.

Yes, a hub and a router can be connected together in a network to expand connectivity.

Routers help reduce network collisions by intelligently directing traffic, which prevents data packets from clashing.

A small office might use a hub due to its lower cost and simplicity if network security and traffic management are not priorities.

Routers provide advanced features like routing between multiple networks, network management, and security enhancements.

A hub operates on the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model.