The difference between a switch and a router.

Additional hardware is required to organize a LAN with more than two nodes. Those who live according to the principle of “necessary and sufficient” have to choose a device for connecting computers into a network in accordance with specific tasks, and it is impossible to do this without a minimum set of knowledge. The attention of users today is attracted by two types of devices - a switch and a router, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Definition

Switch - a network switch that provides direct interaction of several computers in one segment of a local network through a predominantly Ethernet interface.

A router is a network device or a separate computer that unites network nodes and transmits data packets between them based on rules.

Comparison

The difference between a switch and a router is in the functionality of each of the devices. A switch today is the simplest network equipment that allows two or more computers on a network to exchange information. The switch directs packets in accordance with the sender's request to the exact computer to which they are intended, thereby providing minimal security on the network. The router supports the interaction of all computers in the network via an Ethernet or wireless interface, while simultaneously connecting the local network to the provider's network, which makes it possible for all participants to access the Internet. The switch does not connect to the global network on its own.

The functionality of the router is much higher than the switch. It transfers data in accordance with the routing tables. In addition, modern routers can act as a firewall, providing connection protection, data encryption and address translation.

The switch operates at the second (link) layer of the OSI model, which means receiving not only signals, but also monitoring the contents of packets to identify the destination MAC address. The router operates at the third layer of the OSI model, monitoring packets to identify network addresses. The routing tables are more complex and weigh more than the switching tables that the switch works with.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

  1. A switch is an elementary device, a router is more complex.
  2. The switch cannot connect to the Internet.
  3. The router works with routing tables.
  4. A router represents an element of the third layer of the OSI model, a switch - of the second (channel).
  5. The switch works with MAC-addresses, the router - with IP-addresses.
  6. The router provides data transmission security at a higher level.
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