Home > Tech Gallery > Router Switch Difference: A Simple Explanation with Example
Time: November 17th, 2023
What is the
Router
switch difference
in Wi-Fi? In this article, we will explain the main differences between routers and switches, and provide an example of how they work together in a typical home network.
Routers and switches are two used networking devices that play a role, in connecting computers and other devices to the internet. However, they possess functions and features that make them suitable for scenarios.
What is a router?
A
router
is a device that facilitates the connection of networks, such as an area network (LAN) and a
wide area network
(
WAN
). Operating at the layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, known as
the network layer
routers possess the ability to comprehend and employ network addresses like
Internet Protocol
(
IP
) addresses. This enables routers to route data packets to their intended destinations.
The main function of routers:
Routers primarily serve two functions:
• Connecting a network to the internet; By linking up with a modem, which converts
analog
signals from phone lines or cables into digital signals compatible with internet transmission.
• Establishing a network among devices; Routers offer both wired and wireless
connectivity
options. They have
Ethernet
ports for cable connections, with devices.
Advantages and disadvantages of
router
:
Routers offer advantages, including the ability to connect types of networks, like
Ethernet
and token rings. They also help reduce network traffic by creating collision and broadcast domains with rules for data transmission and collision avoidance. Additionally, routers utilize routing algorithms to determine the efficient path for data packets across the internet resulting in minimized congestion and delays.
On the other hand, routers do have some drawbacks. They tend to be more expensive compared to networking devices. Moreover, there is a
vulnerability
to cyberattacks due to bugs or flaws in their firmware that hackers can exploit.
What is a switch?
Now let’s discuss switches. A switch is a device used for connecting devices within a network, a LAN (
Local Area Network
). It operates at the layer of the
OSI model
known as the
data link layer
. This means that switches can understand and utilize
MAC
address identifiers assigned to each device on a network enabling them to route data packets towards their intended destinations.
The main function of switches:
The primary function of a switch is device
connectivity
, within a network. Achieving this is made possible through
Ethernet
ports that allow devices to establish connections using cables.
Switches can direct data packets from one port to another by considering the
MAC
addresses of both the source and destination devices. Additionally, switches can store these MAC addresses and utilize this information to optimize data transmission.
Advantages and disadvantages of switches:
Switches offer advantages, including;
1. Enhancing the speed and efficiency of data transmission, within a network by sending data packets to their intended devices rather than broadcasting them across the entire network.
2. Improving network security and reliability as they can prevent issues like data collisions, interference, and eavesdropping.
3. Supporting advanced functionalities such as virtual LANs (VLANs) which allow for logical divisions within a network based on device functions or requirements.
On the side there are limitations associated with switches;
1. They cannot connect different networks since their operation is limited to the
data link layer
rather than functioning at
the network layer
.
2. Connecting switches directly, to the internet poses security risks since they lack security measures and routing capabilities.
How do routers collaborate with switches?
Routers and switches can collaborate enabling the creation of an intricate network that can connect numerous devices both locally and remotely. Let’s take a home network setup as an example. It may consist of the following components;
1. A modem that establishes a connection, with your
internet service provider
(
ISP
) and grants
internet access
to your network.
2. A
router
that connects to your modem through its
WAN
port establishes a network among your devices via its LAN ports and Wi-Fi capability.
3. A switch that connects to your
router
using one of its LAN ports expands the capacity for devices to connect to your network via cables.
In conclusion
Routers and switches are types of networking devices, with their unique functions and features. By working they enable the creation of larger and more complex networks capable of connecting multiple devices both locally and remotely. We have discussed the
router
switch difference
, including what is a router, what a is switch, the differences between them, the advantages and disadvantages of using them, and also how a router and switch work together. Hope you have found some useful information from this article.
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