Difference Between Hub and Repeater
What is hub?
An access point for a network that uses several devices is referred to as a hub, sometimes known as a network hub. It functions as a central connection for all of the devices connected by a hub. The hub has a number of ports. If any packet reaches one port then that packet may be seen by all other ports. A network hub has no routing tables or intelligence. It broadcasts all network data across all connections (unlike a network switch or router).
In the past years, hubs were less expensive than switches and routers, so they were high in demand. These days, switches offer greater network solutions and are far less expensive than hubs.
Features of Hub
- It broadcasts and uses shared bandwidth.
- There is just one broadcast domain and collision domain included.
- It operates at the OSI model's physical layer and supports half-duplex transmission mode.
- It also has a flexibility characteristic offering the high transmission rate to various devices.
Applications of Hub
Following are some of a hub's key applications:
- Hubs are used to build tiny home networks.
- It serves as a network monitoring tool.
- Also, they are utilized in businesses to offer connection.
- It is possible to use it to build a device that is accessible outside of the network.
What is a Repeater?
A repeater is a type of network device that is used to extend the distance of a network segment by amplifying the signal of incoming packets and retransmitting them on the other side of the segment. A repeater is essentially a regenerator that removes the noise and interference from the incoming signal and retransmits it.
The primary function of a repeater is to regenerate the signal of incoming packets so that they can move to a long distance without losing their quality. A repeater is typically used in those situations when the distance between two network devices exceeds the maximum distance supported by the network medium.
For example, if a network cable can transmit data up to a maximum distance of 100 meters, and the distance between two network devices is 150 meters, a repeater can be used to regenerate the signal and extend the reach of the network.
A repeater operates at the physical layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for the transmission and reception of raw bit streams over a physical medium. At this layer, the repeater receives the incoming signal and transmits it on the other side of the network segment. The repeater does not interpret the moving data, but simply regenerates the signal so that the data or information can be transmitted over a longer distance.
Types of Repeaters:
1. Analog Repeaters
2. Digital Repeaters
Analog Repeaters:
Analog repeaters are used to amplify and regenerate analog signals. They are commonly used in analog networks, such as analog telephony networks. Analog repeaters detect and amplify the incoming signal and then retransmitting it on the other end or device of the network segment. They are designed to remove any noise or interference from the incoming signal so that the signal quality is maintained throughout the network.
Digital Repeaters:
Digital repeaters are used to regenerate digital signals. They are commonly used in digital networks, such as Ethernet networks. Digital repeaters detect and amplify the incoming digital signal and retransmitting it on the other end of the network segment. They are designed to remove any signal degradation or attenuation that may occur during transmission.
Hub vs Repeater in Tabular form
The following table shows the main differences between hub and repeater:
S.No | Hub | Repeater |
1. | Hub is a layer 1 (physical layer) device. At least one network must be available to connect the hub device. | Repeaters operate in the third OSI layer with the first OSI layer. |
2. | It broadcasts the input received from one port to another networked device. | It's employed to replicate the signal or information. |
3. | A hub is a multiport repeater in which a signal introduced at any port's input manifests at every port's output. | Repeaters are less clever than bridges and switches. |
4. | Hub network device is not an intelligent device. | A repeater is an intelligent device than a hub. |
5. | Hub is less expensive than the repeater. | The repeater is expensive but not much more. |