What is the expected performance improvement in an Ethernet network when hubs are replaced?

Replacing hubs with switches in an Ethernet network leads to an increase in performance. Hubs operate at the Layer 1 level of the OSI model and broadcast data packets to all ports, which can lead to collisions and congestion as the number of devices on the network grows. This results in reduced overall performance due to increased latency and packet loss during times of high traffic.

On the other hand, switches operate at Layer 2 and can intelligently direct data packets to the intended recipient port only. This capability significantly reduces the chances of collisions, allowing multiple simultaneous conversations across the network. As a result, the network can handle more data traffic effectively, improving the overall bandwidth usage and reducing the time taken for packets to reach their destinations.

Thus, the performance improvement seen when hubs are replaced by switches is not only an increase in speed but also a more efficient handling of network traffic, which translates to a better user experience and higher productivity for network tasks.