Hub
A computer "hub" is a central connection point for multiple devices, with two main types being network hubs and USB hubs. A network hub connects multiple computers and devices in a local network by broadcasting data to all connected ports, while a USB hub expands a single USB port into multiple ports to connect more peripherals like keyboards, mice, or external drives. Network hubs are now considered outdated, having been largely replaced by smarter devices called switches.
Network hub
Function: Connects multiple network devices to form a single network segment.
Operation: Receives data from one port and broadcasts it to all other ports. If one computer sends data to another, every device on the network receives the data, and only the intended recipient processes it.
Current status: Largely replaced by Ethernet switches, which are more efficient because they send data only to the specific port of the intended recipient, not to all ports.
USB hub
Function: Expands a single USB port on a computer into multiple ports.
Operation: Allows you to connect more USB devices to your computer than it has ports for, such as a keyboard, mouse, and an external hard drive, all at the same time.
Current status: Widely used to increase the number of available USB ports on a computer.
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