What network design principle is being evaluated when employees consider the benefits of a single main hub versus distributed functions?

The principle being evaluated in this scenario is centralized versus decentralized network design. A centralized network design uses a single main hub where resources, services, and management are concentrated. This can lead to easier management, streamlined communication, and potentially enhanced performance since all traffic is channeled through the hub.

On the other hand, a decentralized design distributes functions and resources across multiple points rather than relying on a single hub. This can add resilience and flexibility, as failure of one component does not necessarily bring down the entire network, but it may complicate management and increase latency due to more complex routing of data.

In this context, evaluating the benefits of using a single main hub versus distributed functions directly involves comparing the centralized approach with a decentralized model, making the concept of centralized/decentralized the focus of the discussion.