Linksys Hub vs switch for 48 connected devices

[ryoun1b]

Hello All,

Does anyone have any data to support a move for a 48 device configuration from a hub to a switch and the performance gains achieved by moving from a hub to a switch (half to full duplex).

Thanks!

 

[TheOldMan346]

In general, switches provide for Full-Duplex speed and cut down the traffic on the network by sending the packets only to the port on the workstation that is to receive the information. Hubs generally only operate at Half-Duplex speed and they broad cast a packet to all the nodes on the network (the Auto- sensing hubs broadcast the 10Mb packets to the ports that operate at 10Mb only and broadcast the 100Mb packets to the ports that operate at 100Mb only).

In effect, hubs split the bandwidth among the active ports. Switches provide nearly the full bandwidth to each port.

Hope that helps.
The Old Man

 

[ceh4702]

I cant vouch for 48 devices, but I went from a 3Com Hub to a Linksys workgroup 5 port Switch and I noticed that the Hub always seemed to be pretty warm, while the switch always seems to run cooler. With a switch, all of the devices are partitioned off in their own area and only the selected parties are sent messages or packets from one sender to the other. However, a Hub sends all messages to everyone which causes many collissions and then data has to be resent.

Before you switch ask yourself if what you are using is doing the job and if you are happy with it?

I know Cisco developed some technology for doing Virtual LANs that allows switches to create subnets. This is one thing certain switches may be capable of doing and it is something to look into. I think this is because a switch costs a little less than multiple routers. If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.