In networking, what distinguishes a switch from a hub?

The distinction between a switch and a hub mainly revolves around how they handle data transmission within a network. A switch connects devices based on MAC addresses, which are unique identifiers assigned to network interfaces. This means that a switch can intelligently forward data packets only to the intended recipient, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic on the network.

On the other hand, a hub operates in a more simplistic manner. It broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected devices, regardless of the destination. This can lead to increased network congestion and collisions, as multiple devices may try to send data simultaneously.

Therefore, the ability of a switch to use MAC addresses for precise data transmission is a key feature that differentiates it from a hub, which lacks this capability.