| Hub | Switch |
|---|---|
| A hub operates on the physical layer. | A switch operates on the data link layer. |
| Hubs perform frame flooding that can be unicast, multicast, or broadcast. | It performs broadcast, then the unicast and multicast as needed. |
| Just a singular domain of collision is present in a hub. | Varied ports have separate collision domains. |
| The transmission mode is Half-duplex | The transmission mode is Full duplex |
| Hubs operate as a Layer 1 device per the OSI model. | Network switches help you to operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model. |
| To connect a network of personal computers should be joined through a central hub. | Allow connecting multiple devices and ports. |
| Uses electrical signal orbits | Uses frame & packet |
| Does not offer Spanning-Tree | Multiple Spanning-Tree is possible |
| Collisions occur mostly in setups using hubs. | No collisions occur in a full-duplex switch. |
| Hub is a passive device | A switch is an active device |
| A network hub can’t store MAC addresses. | Switches use CAM (Content Accessible Memory) that can be accessed by ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Chips). |
| Not an intelligent device | Intelligent device |
| Its speed is up to 10 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps |
| Does not use software | Has software for administration |
