switch vs router
Switches and routers are fundamental networking devices that serve different purposes in the management and routing of data within a network. switches are primarily used for efficient data forwarding within a local network (LAN) based on MAC addresses, while routers are used to route data between different networks (LANs or WANs) based on IP addresses. Both devices play crucial roles in modern networking, with switches focusing on local traffic management and routers handling data routing between networks. Here's a brief explanation of each.
Network switch
Following are the functions of a network switch :
• It connects multiple devices and port together in a network.
• It connects two or more nodes in the same network or different network (only wired type).
• As switch deals with MAC addresses, and hence it operates on link layer i.e. layer-2.
• Switch creates and maintains switch table in order to forward the packet.
Let us understand working of switch.
Initially when switch receives data from node-A, it forwards the same to all nodes.
It makes entry of Host-A with its MAC address in the switch table. Later when node-C sends packet to node-A, as now switch has entry of node-A with its MAC address, switch knows on
which port node-A is connected with and hence will forward the packet from node-C to the port where node-A is connected.
This is the way switch works.
Switches are commonly used in Ethernet networks to build local networks with multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and other networked devices.
Network router
Following are the functions of a network router :
• It forwards data packets along the networks.
• It directs the data in a network
• It connects two or more networks (wired/wireless)
• As router deals with IP addresses, and hence it operates on network layer i.e. layer-3.
Let us understand working of router.
Router checks for IP addresses in the packet and based on this, router makes sure that packet is passed between network to network
till it reaches final destination.
This way router bridges the gap between home network and ISP's network.
ISP network is where connectivity with all the web servers of the search engine provides such as google,
yahoo, ask, bing etc. is available.
Unlike switch which works only with wired network. Router works with both wired as well as wireless devices. In order to support wireless connectivity router comes with wifi antenna and built-in wifi protocols. All the network devices having wifi protocols can make use of router to access the internet.
They often perform Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address when accessing the internet. Routers are essential for controlling the flow of data between networks, ensuring data arrives at the correct destination, and providing security through features like firewall capabilities.
Difference between switch and router in networking
The fundamental difference between switches and routers lies in their network functions and operational layers. Following table summarizes major comparison between these networking devices.
| Characteristic | switch | router |
|---|---|---|
| Function and addressing mechanism | The switch devices determine destination address with the help of hardware configured MAC address and hence transfer data. | The router devices use software configured network address (i.e. IP address) to determine the destination. |
| Traffic handling | Switches transfer the data between LAN segments. | Routers transfer the data between LAN and WAN segments. |
| Layer of operation | Switch devices operate at the layer-2(data link layer) of the OSI stack. | Router devices operate at layer-3(network layer) of the OSI stack. |
| Scalability | Typically used within LANs or network segments | Used for connecting multiple LANs or WANs |
| Network segmentation | Useful for creating network segments within a LAN | Essential for separating and connecting distinct networks |
| Internet connectivity | Does not provide direct internet connectivity. | Connects LANs to the internet via an ISP or gateway |
| Medium connectivity | Switch devices offer wired connectivity in the network. | Router devices offer both the wired and wireless connectivity in the network. |
| Network Address Translation (NAT) | Does not perform NAT | Often performs NAT for private LANs accessing the public internet |
| Broadcast handling | Broadcasts data within the same network segment | Does not forward broadcasts between network segments |
| Security features | Lacks advanced security features | May include firewall capabilities and security protocols |
| Example devices | Ethernet switch, VLAN switch | Home router, entreprise router, core router |
Conclusion : Switches, functioning at the data link layer (Layer 2), primarily manage local traffic within a single network segment by efficiently forwarding data based on MAC addresses. Conversely, routers, operating at the network layer (Layer 3), play a crucial role in routing data between distinct networks or segments, relying on IP addresses. This variation in their roles and layers of operation determines their respective applications, with switches focusing on intra-network traffic management and routers facilitating inter-network connectivity, including functions like Network Address Translation (NAT) and firewalling for enhanced network control and security.