Can you describe the differences between a hub, switch, and router?

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Describing the various components within a network is a fundamental skill that any network engineer should have. The best way to respond to this type of question is to provide a general description of the devices and then discuss each device's unique features and functions. You should also compare and contrast them, noting their benefits.

"A hub, switch, and router are network devices used to move data around the network. They are all a type of switch, but with different features and functions. The hub is the least expensive, intelligent, and complicated of the three. It broadcasts all data to every node but may cause serious security and reliability issues. Switches work similar to hubs, but more efficiently. It creates dynamic connections, only communicating to a designated node. The router is the smartest and most complicated out of these three devices. It is like a little computer dedicated for transferring network traffic to specific nodes or devices."

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"A hub has connections that are considered one collision domain, which means devices need to use CSMA/CD to ensure they are not colliding with other devices trying to talk over a hub. A switch separates each of its port connections into individual collision domains so each device connected to a single port or a port channel is its own collision domain, but the devices still use CSMA/CD. A router separates broadcast domains from each other or VLANs/subnets from each other. A router allows different broadcast domains/VLANs/subnets to talk to each other and send/route traffic to each other. A switch can do some functions of a router if it is considered a layer 3 switch."

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How to Answer: Can you describe the differences between a hub, switch, and router?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Network Engineer job interview.

21. Can you describe the differences between a hub, switch, and router?

How to Answer

Describing the various components within a network is a fundamental skill that any network engineer should have. The best way to respond to this type of question is to provide a general description of the devices and then discuss each device's unique features and functions. You should also compare and contrast them, noting their benefits.

Answer Example

"A hub, switch, and router are network devices used to move data around the network. They are all a type of switch, but with different features and functions. The hub is the least expensive, intelligent, and complicated of the three. It broadcasts all data to every node but may cause serious security and reliability issues. Switches work similar to hubs, but more efficiently. It creates dynamic connections, only communicating to a designated node. The router is the smartest and most complicated out of these three devices. It is like a little computer dedicated for transferring network traffic to specific nodes or devices."

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Anonymous Answer

"A hub has connections that are considered one collision domain, which means devices need to use CSMA/CD to ensure they are not colliding with other devices trying to talk over a hub. A switch separates each of its port connections into individual collision domains so each device connected to a single port or a port channel is its own collision domain, but the devices still use CSMA/CD. A router separates broadcast domains from each other or VLANs/subnets from each other. A router allows different broadcast domains/VLANs/subnets to talk to each other and send/route traffic to each other. A switch can do some functions of a router if it is considered a layer 3 switch."

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