Why Were Hubs Ever Used?
3. A Trip Down Memory Lane
So, if hubs are so "dumb," why were they ever used in the first place? Well, the answer is simple: cost. Back in the early days of networking, hubs were significantly cheaper than switches. For small networks with limited budgets, hubs were often the only affordable option.
In a very small network with only a few devices, the performance impact of using a hub might not be noticeable. However, as the network grows, the limitations of a hub become more apparent. The increased collisions and slower data transfer rates can significantly impact the overall network performance.
Another reason hubs were used in the past is their simplicity. They are very easy to set up and require minimal configuration. This made them a good choice for users who didn't have a lot of technical expertise. It's like the difference between a simple flip phone and a smartphone — one is basic and easy to use, the other is more powerful but requires more understanding.
But like the flip phone, hubs have largely been replaced by better, more affordable alternatives. The price difference between hubs and switches has decreased significantly over the years, making switches the clear choice for most networks.
