A major benefit of using a hub in a network is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Hubs are some of the most basic networking devices available and are often used for small-scale applications where advanced features are not necessary.
Minimal Technical Knowledge Required
Unlike switches or routers, which contain more complex logic and configuration settings, a hub operates purely at the physical layer of the OSI model and requires no configuration or management interface.
Affordable Hardware for Basic Networking
In addition to ease of use, hubs are also more affordable than switches or routers. Because they lack the internal processing and software control mechanisms found in more intelligent networking devices, the manufacturing cost of hubs is low.
Low Maintenance and Operational Costs
Another way in which hubs are cost-effective is in their maintenance. Since they do not contain complex software systems or require firmware updates, hubs rarely encounter technical issues related to internal software failures.
Useful for Expanding Small Networks
Moreover, hubs are often used to expand a network at minimal cost. When a network grows and more devices need to be connected, a hub can be added as a low-cost extension.
Valuable Educational Tool
Lastly, for learning environments, hubs are ideal tools for demonstrating basic network principles. They allow students or beginners to observe how devices communicate within a network and understand how data broadcasting works.
Facilitates Easy Data Distribution in Small Networks
Another core benefit of using a hub in a network is its ability to easily distribute data across multiple devices in small networks. The primary function of a hub is to act as a central connection point where multiple devices such as computers, printers, and smart appliances can be physically connected using Ethernet cables.
Efficient File and Device Sharing
For instance, in a small home or office setting where file sharing is a frequent requirement, a hub ensures that all devices receive data without requiring any special configurations.
Promotes Team Collaboration
This kind of setup is particularly useful in collaborative work environments where multiple users need to access shared files or devices such as network printers or scanners.
Transparent Network Traffic Flow
Furthermore, the data broadcasting approach used by hubs simplifies troubleshooting. Since all data is visible to all devices on the network, it becomes easier to use packet analyzers or network sniffers to monitor traffic.
Ideal for Simple Media Streaming Networks
Another use-case where hubs facilitate easy data distribution is in media streaming or entertainment systems within a home. Devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, desktop PCs, and media players can all be connected through a hub.
Basic But Reliable for Low-Traffic Environments
Despite their limitations in managing large traffic volumes or securing selective communication, hubs offer a functional and uncomplicated way to distribute data among multiple users.
Acts as a Central Point for Network Monitoring and Control
In addition to connecting devices and distributing data, a hub also serves as a central point for monitoring and controlling traffic in basic network environments.
Educational Benefit for Packet Analysis
This is especially beneficial in educational and testing environments where the goal is to study how data moves between devices.
Basic Security Observation Capabilities
Furthermore, in a basic home network or small business setting, an administrator can connect a logging or firewall device to a hub to monitor all inbound and outbound traffic.
Simplifies Physical Network Testing
A hub also offers a straightforward way to test or diagnose physical network connections. By placing a hub between devices and observing activity indicators, a technician can determine whether a cable is functioning properly.
Ideal for Temporary and Ad-Hoc Network Setups
One of the key advantages of using a hub is its usefulness in temporary or ad-hoc network setups. Environments such as conferences, training sessions, or trade shows often require a fast and simple way to connect multiple devices for a short period. A hub offers a plug-and-play solution that does not require prior configuration or advanced networking knowledge.
Portability and Convenience
Hubs are typically small and lightweight, making them highly portable. They can easily be packed and deployed in different locations, such as mobile offices, construction sites, or outdoor installations. This portability allows IT technicians and event coordinators to set up a basic local area network wherever it’s needed without relying on heavy equipment or technical infrastructure.
Reusability Across Locations
Since hubs are easy to reset and don’t retain configurations, the same device can be reused across various setups. This saves money and simplifies logistics, especially when managing temporary or rotating workstations in educational labs, pop-up shops, or mobile clinics.
Suitable for Legacy and Low-Bandwidth Systems
Another benefit of hubs is their continued relevance in supporting legacy systems. Some older devices, including industrial equipment and early-generation networked peripherals, operate on 10 Mbps Ethernet. Modern switches may not always support these slower speeds, but traditional hubs are designed to accommodate such devices without compatibility issues.
Stable Performance in Low-Speed Networks
In environments where data usage is minimal—such as text-based terminals, basic monitoring systems, or serial-over-Ethernet connections—a hub offers stable and reliable communication. Since bandwidth demands are low, the broadcasting nature of the hub does not cause any noticeable performance degradation.
Cost-Effective Network Longevity
For businesses or organizations that rely on legacy systems and do not plan to upgrade soon, continuing to use a hub can avoid unnecessary expenses. Rather than replacing the entire network or investing in new infrastructure, they can maintain operational continuity at a lower cost.
Enhances Network Learning and Practical Demonstration
In educational institutions, hubs are often used to demonstrate fundamental networking concepts. Because hubs transmit data to all connected devices, students can easily observe how a packet travels across the network. This visibility makes it easier to understand how collisions occur, how devices listen for traffic, and what happens when multiple devices communicate at once.
Supports Packet Sniffing and Data Analysis
When a hub is in use, all traffic is sent to every port. This makes it an ideal environment for network analysis tools like Wireshark to capture all packets transmitted between devices. In contrast, a switch only sends packets to their destination port, which means you need special configuration like port mirroring to observe all traffic.
Simplifies Demonstration of Data Collisions
Hubs operate on a shared bandwidth model, meaning all devices compete for the same transmission medium. In classrooms or training labs, this setup helps illustrate how Ethernet collisions occur and why protocols like CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) were developed. These are valuable teaching points that are harder to demonstrate in switched networks.
No Configuration or Management Overhead
A hub requires no login credentials, software interface, or command-line configuration. This makes it suitable for users with limited technical experience who still need to expand their wired network. Simply connect the devices with Ethernet cables and the network is ready to use.
Reduces Setup Time for Small Networks
For small offices, workshops, or home users who need to link just a few computers or printers, a hub eliminates setup time completely. There’s no need to assign static IPs, configure routing tables, or adjust settings via a control panel. This also reduces the risk of misconfiguration.
No Risk of Firmware Issues
Unlike managed switches or routers, hubs do not run on firmware that may need updating. This eliminates the chance of software bugs, version conflicts, or firmware vulnerabilities. The simple nature of hubs makes them stable, consistent, and free from update-related disruptions.
Useful in Broadcast-Centric Applications
In small networks, many services depend on broadcast messages to locate other devices—such as printers, file shares, or media servers. Because hubs broadcast every packet to every port, these discovery processes work seamlessly. Devices can find each other quickly and without interference.
Supports DHCP, ARP, and NetBIOS Broadcasts
Protocols like DHCP (for automatic IP assignment), ARP (for address resolution), and NetBIOS (for name services) all rely on broadcasting to some degree. In hub-based networks, these protocols function smoothly, since all connected devices receive the necessary packets without needing special settings.
Suitable for Basic LAN Gaming or Media Sharing
In home environments where users engage in local multiplayer games or share media from one device to another, a hub can provide sufficient connectivity. All participants receive broadcast data, which allows games to detect available players or devices to stream content over the local network.
Flexible for Basic Network Expansion
A hub can be used to increase the number of Ethernet ports available in a small setup. For example, if a router only has four LAN ports and more devices need to be connected, adding a hub allows users to connect additional PCs, printers, or IoT devices without upgrading the router.
Cost-Efficient Way to Add Devices
Rather than purchasing an expensive switch for a handful of extra connections, a hub offers a budget-friendly way to expand connectivity. This is useful for temporary offices, seasonal setups, or small business environments that periodically need extra workstations.
Daisy-Chaining for Extended Connectivity
Multiple hubs can be daisy-chained to extend the reach of a small LAN, although with increasing limitations in performance. For environments where speed is not critical, daisy-chaining offers a practical workaround for limited port availability.
Understanding the Limitations of Hubs
Inefficient Use of Bandwidth
One of the most significant drawbacks of using a hub is the inefficient way it handles bandwidth. Since all devices share the same communication channel, only one device can send data at a time. If two or more devices attempt to send data simultaneously, a collision occurs, and the data must be resent. This not only wastes bandwidth but also increases latency.
For example, if four computers are connected via a hub and two try to send data to different destinations at the same time, the hub broadcasts both packets to all devices, resulting in a collision. The devices then back off and try again after a delay, further congesting the network. This behavior severely limits the total throughput of the network.
Prone to Network Collisions
Hubs use a method known as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection), which allows devices to “listen” before transmitting. But in larger or busier environments, this protocol becomes inefficient. Collisions increase as more devices are added, especially when data transmission is heavy.
In contrast, switches create a separate collision domain for each port, meaning multiple devices can transmit simultaneously without interfering with each other. This is why hubs are only practical in very small or lightly-used networks.
Lack of Intelligent Traffic Handling
Hubs operate at OSI Layer 1 (Physical Layer). They do not analyze, filter, or make decisions based on MAC addresses. This lack of intelligence means every data packet is broadcasted to every connected device, regardless of the intended recipient.
This results in two problems:
- Security risk – Any device can “see” all data not meant for it.
- Performance loss – Each device has to filter through unnecessary data.
This makes hubs inefficient and insecure for environments where data privacy and speed are priorities.
No Security Features
Modern networks require features like VLANs (Virtual LANs), MAC address filtering, and port security. These features help segment traffic, prevent unauthorized access, and monitor suspicious activity. Hubs provide none of these.
For example, in a switch-managed network, you can assign different devices to separate VLANs so they cannot communicate directly without firewall permission. A hub cannot do this; all connected devices are part of a single unsegmented network, leaving no room for logical or physical separation.
This becomes especially dangerous in shared office spaces, coworking environments, or anywhere different user groups require separation.
Not Scalable for Growing Networks
A hub’s lack of scalability becomes painfully evident as a network expands. While it’s technically possible to chain multiple hubs together (called daisy-chaining), this only magnifies their weaknesses. Every device added increases the risk of collisions, degrades speed, and complicates data flow.
In real-world terms, a hub-based network with 10 users trying to send large files or use video conferencing would quickly become unusable. For growing organizations or networks handling more than occasional data traffic, hubs are a bottleneck.
When to Use a Hub Instead of a Switch
Despite the drawbacks, there are a few scenarios where using a hub is still reasonable or even preferred. These contexts are limited but practical.
Educational Environments
Hubs are great for demonstrating basic network behavior, particularly:
- Data collisions
- Broadcast communication
- Packet sniffing
Students studying network fundamentals can connect devices through a hub and use tools like Wireshark to capture all traffic. Since every packet is sent to every port, learners can see how protocols like ARP, ICMP, or HTTP function in real time. This visibility is harder to achieve on a switch, which directs traffic only to the destination port.
Temporary or Low-Traffic Networks
Sometimes simplicity and speed of setup matter more than performance. In a pop-up store, workshop, or construction site, a hub can provide temporary connectivity with minimal cost and no configuration.
Example: A small art fair where four vendor booths each need a point-of-sale system can use a hub to share access to a single printer or a local file server.
In such cases:
- Data transfer is minimal.
- Network security may not be critical.
- The network only needs to last a few hours or days.
Legacy or Industrial Equipment
Some legacy systems, especially in factories, laboratories, or medical equipment setups, may not support higher Ethernet speeds or advanced protocols. These older systems may function best in a hub-based environment where compatibility is more important than speed.
For example, a diagnostic imaging device from the early 2000s might require a 10BASE-T connection. New switches may not support this slower standard, while a hub often will. In such cases, a hub allows the device to operate without replacing expensive equipment.
Budget-Constrained Setups
Cost is a factor, especially for:
- Home users experimenting with networking
- Nonprofits and small NGOs
- Remote rural setups
In these contexts, a basic hub that costs less than $10 may suffice. While a switch is generally preferable, when funds are limited and the need is basic—like connecting two computers and a printer—a hub might do the job.
How Hubs Still Fit Into Niche Use Cases
Although hubs are largely considered outdated, there are still environments where they serve a functional purpose. The nature of a hub—broadcasting data to all ports—can be seen as a disadvantage in most contexts. However, in certain scenarios, that very behavior becomes a benefit. For instance, in penetration testing environments or digital forensics labs, where it’s critical to monitor all traffic without relying on complex port mirroring configurations, hubs are a simple solution. A packet sniffer connected to a hub can view all data being transmitted across the network, something that is not easily achievable with a switch without explicit configuration.
In legacy environments, hubs also remain relevant. Consider a manufacturing facility operating machines that rely on early Ethernet standards, such as 10BASE-T. These machines may not communicate effectively with newer switches that default to faster speeds or expect full-duplex communication. In such environments, simplicity and reliability take precedence over speed. A hub allows all equipment to communicate at the same base level, maintaining operational continuity without the need for expensive upgrades.
Additionally, hubs may be found in lab settings where users are experimenting with old operating systems or protocols for academic or archival purposes. In cases where the goal is to replicate early networking environments as accurately as possible—say, to observe how early versions of TCP/IP handled packet loss—hubs play a critical role in emulating the networking behavior of past decades.
The Modern Ubiquity of Switches
Switches, by contrast, are the dominant technology in today’s networks. Practically every modern environment that requires more than two devices to communicate will use a switch as the central point of connectivity. Home networks, for example, rely on switches built into broadband routers. These switches quietly handle traffic between computers, printers, smart TVs, and network storage, optimizing performance without any manual configuration.
In small to medium-sized businesses, switches provide both simplicity and performance. Devices like computers, VoIP phones, surveillance cameras, and wireless access points depend on reliable, high-speed communication. A switch can segment the network internally, prevent collisions, and prioritize important traffic. The use of managed switches in such settings allows for even more control, offering administrators the ability to set up VLANs to isolate traffic, monitor bandwidth usage per port, and even apply security policies that restrict access based on MAC address or time of day.
At the enterprise and data center level, switches operate not only at Layer 2 but also at Layer 3, functioning as routers to connect different subnets. These high-end switches are optimized for speed, redundancy, and high availability. They support features like Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to avoid loops, Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize time-sensitive traffic such as voice and video, and link aggregation to combine multiple ports into a single high-bandwidth channel.
Case Study: Educational Use in Network Training Labs
One of the most compelling examples of how hubs are still relevant can be found in educational institutions. Networking courses often include labs where students need to observe how data is transmitted, received, and sometimes lost. With a hub, the simplicity of broadcasting packets to all connected devices creates a transparent learning environment. Every student sees every packet. This makes it easier to demonstrate core networking concepts such as collision domains, ARP requests, and broadcast storms. With the use of packet sniffing software like Wireshark, students can visually observe how protocols behave in real time.
Such educational setups are not merely exercises in nostalgia. They serve an important pedagogical purpose. While modern networks avoid collisions through intelligent switching and full-duplex communication, it is essential for students to understand why those improvements were necessary. Experiencing the drawbacks of hubs first-hand, such as slow data transmission or repeated packet collisions, instills an appreciation for the innovation that led to the development of switches.
Case Study: Field Operations and Temporary Networks
Another scenario where hubs may still be used is in temporary field operations. Imagine a research team conducting a short-term ecological study in a remote location. They set up a local area network to link their laptops, data loggers, and a central storage device. Since the network is only required for a few days and internet access is limited or non-existent, the need for advanced features is minimal. Here, the quick plug-and-play functionality of a hub can be a virtue. The researchers can connect all devices without worrying about configuration or network segmentation.
While a switch could easily fulfill the same role, the hub’s simplicity becomes a strength in this situation. There are no MAC address tables to populate, no VLANs to configure, and no potential compatibility issues with old or proprietary equipment. Furthermore, the cost difference—while small—may matter in budget-restricted operations where every dollar counts. In scenarios like these, the hub acts not as a compromise but as a practical tool suited to the job at hand.
Case Study: Network Upgrade in a Growing Small Office
In contrast to these niche uses, most real-world applications demonstrate the limitations of hubs and the critical benefits of switches. Take, for example, a small business that began with just three employees and a basic hub to connect their devices. As the business grew, more staff were added, each with their own computers, phones, and printing needs. Eventually, performance began to degrade. File transfers took longer, video conferences dropped frames or disconnected entirely, and employees complained of lag when accessing cloud applications.
The root cause in this case was the hub’s shared bandwidth and frequent data collisions. As more devices competed for the same medium, efficiency plummeted. When the business replaced the hub with a modern unmanaged switch, the difference was immediately noticeable. Not only did file transfers become significantly faster, but the number of dropped packets decreased, and network-related complaints dropped to near zero. The switch eliminated the shared collision domain, allowed for simultaneous communications between pairs of devices, and improved network stability.
This example illustrates how switches can be essential even for small networks. Performance improvements are not always measured in technical metrics; they often translate into real-world productivity gains.
Considerations for Future-Proof Network Design
When designing a network today, even for the smallest environments, it is almost always advisable to use a switch. The affordability of unmanaged switches has reached the point where they are accessible to most consumers and small businesses. They offer plug-and-play functionality with all the advantages of intelligent data forwarding and isolated collision domains. For those requiring more control, managed switches introduce a host of features that support scalability, security, and performance tuning.
Still, understanding the role of hubs—even in a historical context—is valuable. It provides perspective on how networks have evolved, why collisions used to be a major problem, and how modern protocols and hardware have addressed these challenges. From an educational, forensic, or legacy-support perspective, hubs serve as reminders of the progress made in network technology.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between a hub and a switch is no longer a matter of performance comparison—they are clearly in different technological classes. Instead, the decision should be guided by the specific goals of the network environment. A switch should be your default unless a clear case justifies the use of a hub. With a better understanding of their respective roles in different contexts, network designers and administrators can make informed choices that align with their operational, educational, or legacy requirements.