Which statement is true regarding the differences between hubs and switches in a network?

The statement that switches provide a dedicated bandwidth path for communication, while hubs do not, accurately reflects the functional differences between these two network devices.

Hubs are basic networking devices that operate on a shared bandwidth model. When a hub receives a data packet on one of its ports, it broadcasts that packet to all other ports, regardless of the intended recipient. This means that all devices attached to the hub share the same bandwidth, which can lead to network congestion and collisions as multiple devices try to transmit data simultaneously.

In contrast, switches are more advanced devices that operate at the data link layer and can intelligently manage traffic. They create a dedicated communication path between the sender and the intended recipient by learning and remembering the MAC addresses of the devices connected to their ports. As a result, a switch can forward data packets specifically to the intended recipient, rather than broadcasting to all connected devices. This leads to improved efficiency, higher speeds, and reduced collisions in the network, as each device can use its bandwidth without interference from others.

This understanding highlights why the characteristic of switches providing dedicated bandwidth paths is crucial in modern networking, contrasting sharply with the limitations of hubs.