The solution to this problem is to use a switch, hub or network splitter. Although it is true that the functions they offer us are similar, there are differences that make them the best in some cases.
What is a network switch
The switch is a device currently used for share connection to a local network, with or without Internet between different devices. This device allows information to be sent from one computer to another directly, without being duplicated in all devices connected to the same network, so the necessary bandwidth is smaller than if we use a hub, which we will talk about in the next section.
To identify which computer on the network you want to send the information to, we do not use the IP address assigned to it, as it can change, but rather the unique identifier of each computer found on the network card: the address MAC. Thanks to the MAC address, we can not only send specific information to a single device, but we can also send it instructions to turn it on or even off remotely.
A switch is the ideal solution for configure local networks with many connected devicess, because it does not use all the bandwidth to send information to a specific computer. Although it is true that it can also be used on a home network, it is not the most used solution, the simplest option being to use a hub.
What is a network hub
A network hub works the same as a USB port hub. A hub is nothing more than a device where the router output is connected and which has multiple outputs to send the same signal to all connected equipment. The main problem with a hub is that does not identify the material They are connected independently, so when we send, for example, a message, it is received by all devices, consuming more bandwidth than the switch.
The function of the hub is practically the same as a switch with the difference in band consumption and does not allow the equipment to be identified. This type of device is ideal if we want to connect 2 or 3 teams maximum. The switch came to the market to replace the hub’s defects, and it is currently very difficult, if not impossible, to get a hub in any store. If we are looking for a hub, we will have to go to second-hand stores like eBay or Wallapop.
What is a network splitter
A network splitter is a small device with one input port and two output ports (although there are more complete models). The function of this device is to provide network connection to two devices through a single network cable. Unlike a hub, a network splitter does not transmit information to all devices and instead shares the Internet signal between connected devices. One device may therefore have a lower speed than another if both are used.
A network splitter is ideal when we want to have two outputs from a wired network connection, for example, to connect a smart TV and a console located together.
And what about the router?
Routers, in addition to a wireless connection, also include fswitching functionssince they include a minimum of 4 ports, which allows us to connect up to 4 physically close devices, each of which has a different IP and can be identified through the corresponding MAC.
Otherwise, we can use one of these outputs to connect it to a switch, hub or splitter in order to send the signal to other devices, taking into account the particularities that each of them offers us.
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