What is the main function of a hub in networking?

The main function of a hub in networking is to connect multiple devices within a Local Area Network (LAN) and broadcast incoming data frames to all connected ports. This means that when a device sends data to the hub, the hub does not make any intelligence-based decisions regarding the destination of the data; instead, it simply replicates the data and sends it out to every port.

This characteristic of broadcasting is what differentiates a hub from more advanced networking devices such as switches, which are capable of learning the addresses of connected devices and forwarding data only to the intended recipient. In a hub setup, every device connected to the hub receives the same data, which can lead to inefficiencies due to increased network traffic and potential collisions. Nonetheless, hubs serve the fundamental purpose of enabling communication between multiple devices in a simplistic manner, allowing basic connectivity in a network.

In contrast, the other functions mentioned, like regulating traffic based on addressing or filtering and forwarding frames selectively, are functions of more sophisticated devices such as switches and routers. Hubs do not maintain records of device connections, which also sets them apart from more intelligent networking hardware.