How does a switch differ from a hub?

A switch differs from a hub primarily in its ability to direct packets to the correct destination based on the MAC addresses of the devices connected to it. When a switch receives a data packet, it examines the destination MAC address and sends the packet only to the specific port associated with that address. This targeted approach minimizes unnecessary data collisions and optimizes network traffic by ensuring that data only travels to the intended recipient.

In contrast, a hub operates as a basic networking device that transmits incoming data packets to all its ports, regardless of the intended destination. As a result, this can lead to inefficient use of bandwidth and increased chances of data collisions since multiple devices may try to send and receive data simultaneously on the same channel.

The effectiveness of a switch in directing packets contributes to its ability to create a more efficient and scalable network environment. This functionality is especially important in larger networks where traffic management and performance are crucial.