What is the primary difference between a hub and a switch?

The primary difference between a hub and a switch lies in how they manage data traffic within a network. A hub is a basic networking device that operates at the physical layer of the OSI model. When it receives data, a hub broadcasts that data to all devices connected to it regardless of the intended recipient. This means that all devices receive the same data, leading to unnecessary data transmission and potential network congestion.

In contrast, a switch operates at the data link layer and is much more efficient. When a switch receives data, it analyzes the destination MAC address contained in the data packet and sends that data only to the specific device for which it is intended. This targeted approach not only conserves bandwidth but also enhances the overall performance of the network by reducing collisions and increasing the efficiency of data communication.

Thus, the distinction that a hub broadcasts data to all ports while a switch sends data specifically to the intended device is central to understanding their functionality and efficiency within network design.