In a computer network, a hub and a switch are both devices used to connect multiple devices, but they function differently.
A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment. It operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. When a hub receives a packet of data, it broadcasts it to all ports, regardless of the destination. This can lead to network inefficiencies and collisions.

Advantages of a hub:

• Simple and inexpensive.
• Easy to use for small networks.

Disadvantages of a hub:

• Creates network congestion due to broadcasting.
• Less secure as data is sent to all devices.
• Inefficient for larger networks.

A switch, on the other hand, is more advanced and operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It uses MAC addresses to determine the destination of each data packet and sends it only to the appropriate port. This reduces unnecessary traffic and collisions.

Advantages of a switch:

• More efficient and faster due to directed data transmission.
• Enhances network security by sending data only to intended devices.
• Scalable and better suited for larger networks.

Disadvantages of a switch:

• More expensive than hubs.
• Slightly more complex to configure and manage.