Difference Between a Router & Hub

he terms "hub and "router" are often used interchangeably, and although they have some similarities, there are definite differences between the two devices. It is important to know what the differences between the two are, particularly if you need to shop for either a hub or a router.

Types

1. A hub and router are both networking devices designed to link two or more computers and networks to each other. Both devices feature multiple ports in the front or back, which provide connection points between computers and networks. The key distinguishing feature is the way each functions to handle network traffic.

Hubs

A hub is designed to serve as a shared connection point that links two or more devices in a network. Typically, it is used to link separate segments of a LAN, enabling them to act as a single segment. When a packet of data arrives at one of a hub's ports, it is forwarded to every single port without distinguishing where it actually needs to go. Today, hubs are becoming obsolete as inexpensive network switches are becoming increasingly rare.

Routers

1. A router is a "smarter," more sophisticated hardware device. It is designed to link multiple networks such as local area networks (LANs), or a wide area networks (WANs). A router is typically connected to at least two networks via a gateway, directing the flow of data packets within and between networks.

Function

2. A router serves as a default, intermediary destination for the traffic in the network. Some specialized routers are specifically designed to link different types of networks. Broadband routers, for example, are designed to enable a LAN to connect to the Internet, or to a WAN for Internet connection sharing. A hub is not capable of linking multiple networks or sharing an Internet connection. In home networking, network hubs are primarily used for wired networks, while routers can be used for both wired and wireless networks.

Significance

3. A router has a more intricate and involved operation than a hub. When data arrives at the router, rather than forward the data packets to all of its ports as a hub would, a router filters and directs (routes) network traffic to the appropriate ports. In a corporate network, for example, a router typically receives TCP/IP packets, which it analyzes to determine the identifying IP addresses. These packets are then forwarded to their final intended destinations.
   The router uses headers and forwarding tables to determine which is the best method for forwarding the data packets. If more than one router is involved, protocols are used to communicate with each other and configure the best router that needs to be used.