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Along with the network interface card and cabling, the network hub is one of the most important parts of a LAN. A basic hub is usually a small box that serves as the central connection point for the wiring of the network. All computers on the network are linked to each other through the hub. Hubs are normally used in networks that use twisted pair cable.
A typical Ethernet hub, sometimes known as a “repeater,” has a number of ports (holes in which cables are inserted) to which computers and other devices are attached. One twisted pair cable can be inserted into each port. The other end of each cable is inserted into the network interface card of each computer.
When a computer transmits information to the network, the information travels through the computer's network interface card and cable to the hub. In the hub, several copies of the information are made—one copy for each computer that’s connected to the hub. Once the copies are made, one copy is sent to each computer on the network.
Since hubs are usually the central point of LANs, they’re often placed in a location in an office that’s at the center of things. Many offices designate a particular area to house their hubs and other networking equipment.
There are a number of varieties of hubs that allow you to control the manner in which your network operates. Following is a brief description of several types of hubs.
Standalone hubs are box-like products with a number of ports, typically fewer than 12. Many standalone hubs also can be connected to other standalone hubs—either by connecting them together with coaxial cable or linking (or cascading) them using twisted pair cable between ports on each hub. This allows you to expand your network as your company grows, or connect two separate LANs. This type of hub is least expensive—a normal five-port standalone hub can cost less than $60. They are best suited for small, independent workgroups or offices typically with fewer than 12 users per LAN. A standalone hub will probably serve the needs of most small businesses who wish to use MYOB products.
Stackable hubs look and act like standalone hubs except that several of them can be stacked or connected together, usually by short lengths of cable. The advantage of using stackable hubs is that, when connected, the hubs can be managed as a single unit by a network administrator. (More information about managing hubs appears below.) As time passes and your network grows, you can add more stackable hubs to accommodate more users on the network. Stackable hubs are ideal for companies that don’t want to make a large initial investment in their network but are certain that their network will expand over time.
Modular hubs are larger units that can accommodate many network users. A modular hub is made up of a chassis that can contain anywhere from four to 14 slots. Each slot in the chassis can hold a communications card, which works like a standalone hub. Each communications card (also known as a module) can support around 14 computers and other devices. When several communications cards are placed in the chassis, the computers connected to the cards are able to communicate with each other in the same manner as they would if they were part of the same card. Modular hubs can be easily managed by a network administrator.
If you want to keep track of your network, one method you can use is hub management. When you manage your network’s hubs, each port on the hubs can be configured, monitored, enabled or disabled by a system administrator from a piece of equipment called a hub management console, along with special software. Depending upon the tools you use, you may also be able to acquire statistics on a variety of things about your network, such as the amount and types of information that pass through the ports on the network. Most vendors who develop hubs also produce hub management consoles and the software needed to run them. If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about the performance of your network, we suggest that you consider investing in a hub management console.
The hub that will best fit your business depends upon your current needs, but it also depends upon how much you expect to see your network grow over time. If you have fewer than five computers at your company and you don’t expect to see that number grow much (or at all) in the next few years, you’ll probably do just fine with an easy and inexpensive standalone hub for your network. On the other hand, if you’re already dealing with a dozen computers now and you expect to see a need for a steady increase in your network capacity, you’ll probably be best served if you investigate stackable or even modular hubs for your company.
For nearly all small businesses, hubs provide the flexibility to easily expand a network. If your business grows, simply purchase another hub to accommodate your additional computers—it’s often as simple as that.
Network hubs