Hubs and switches are fundamental
A hub is a simple device that receives incoming data packets and broadcasts them to all connected devices, regardless of the intended recipient. While hubs are easy to use and cost-effective, they can lead to network congestion due to this indiscriminate broadcasting. In contrast, switches are more intelligent, directing data only to the specific device it is meant for. This targeted communication improves network efficiency, reduces collisions, and enhances overall performance. Switches often support multiple speeds and can handle full-duplex communication, allowing simultaneous sending and receiving of data. Choosing between a hub and a switch depends on network size and performance needs: small, simple networks may still use hubs for basic connectivity