What is an Ethernet hub?

What is an Ethernet hub?

• A. A device that connects devices but filters data
• B. A device that connects multiple devices without filtering
• C. A device primarily used for wireless communication
• D. A device that provides enhanced security

Answer: (B)

An Ethernet hub is indeed a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) without filtering the data that passes through it. It operates at the physical layer of the OSI model, meaning it does not analyze or manage the data packets; rather, it simply repeats incoming signals to all other connected devices. This approach means that all data sent to the hub will be broadcast to every port, and any device connected to the hub will receive the message, regardless of whether it was the intended recipient. This characteristic contrasts with more sophisticated devices, like switches, which filter and direct data to the appropriate devices. This fundamental functionality emphasizes that hubs do not selectively manage traffic, which can lead to network inefficiencies such as collisions when multiple devices attempt to send data simultaneously. In contemporary networking, hubs have largely been replaced by switches, which provide more efficient data handling and security features.

An Ethernet hub is indeed a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) without filtering the data that passes through it. It operates at the physical layer of the OSI model, meaning it does not analyze or manage the data packets; rather, it simply repeats incoming signals to all other connected devices. This approach means that all data sent to the hub will be broadcast to every port, and any device connected to the hub will receive the message, regardless of whether it was the intended recipient. This characteristic contrasts with more sophisticated devices, like switches, which filter and direct data to the appropriate devices.

This fundamental functionality emphasizes that hubs do not selectively manage traffic, which can lead to network inefficiencies such as collisions when multiple devices attempt to send data simultaneously. In contemporary networking, hubs have largely been replaced by switches, which provide more efficient data handling and security features.