What advantage does a switch have over a hub?

The advantage of a switch using MAC addresses to filter data is fundamental to its operation and efficiency. Unlike a hub, which broadcasts data to all devices in a network segment regardless of the intended recipient, a switch is smart enough to learn and remember the MAC addresses of devices connected to it.

When data arrives at a switch, it examines the MAC address of the destination device and forwards the data only to the specific port where that device is connected. This targeted approach not only reduces network congestion by minimizing unnecessary traffic but also increases security since only the intended recipient of the data can access it.

Additionally, switches help improve overall network performance by efficiently utilizing bandwidth, ensuring that devices can communicate with one another without excessive interference from other traffic. By leveraging MAC addresses, switches facilitate a more organized and effective network environment compared to the more basic functionality of hubs.