The router is designed to organize a local network and at the same time provides access to the Internet. At the same time, a switch, otherwise referred to as a switch, is designed to organize a local network. Thus, when organizing a network at home or in an office, the connection to the Internet is carried out by means of a router. Let us first consider their main differences, and then we will analyze the differences between switching and packet routing.

Switch and router - the difference between them

Most routers have the ability to organize a Wi-Fi network. All devices connected to this network also have access to the Internet through a router. Usually, the Wi-Fi function is present in all home routers, and those designed for work in offices or businesses may not.

It should also be borne in mind that inexpensive switches can be without remote control at all.

Switch and router - the difference between them:

• Lack of WAN port the switch, since it only works on the local network. The router is engaged in the transfer of data between different networks, and the switch cannot do this.
• Lack of Wi-Fi at the switch, it only switches packets on the Ethernet network.
• Possibly lack of remote control and, accordingly, all the functions that can be configured, as well as statistics.
• The switch usually more LAN ports than the router.

All the rest of the functionality that is intended for organizing a local network is similar in managed switches. That is, it can also support various functionalities for viewing work statistics, port mirroring, QoS (traffic priorities). The switch can also act as a DHCP server if it has such a function, although this is rare.

Usually, a DHCP server is configured on the router, and it is turned off on the switch.

Packet switching and routing

Consider the differences between a switch and a router in terms of their main tasks:

Packet switching

it transmission of packets within the local network, that is, between devices that are close to each other. In this case, data transfer is carried out by sending a packet from one device with a given MAC address to another device, also at the MAC address. If you know the IP address of another device that is in the same local network, then using an ARP request, the MAC address to which the packet should be sent is found out. The processing from which port, to which one to send the packet, based on their MAC addresses, is the responsibility of the switches (switches).

Packet routing

it transferring them to an external network... The process is carried out using IP addresses and a subnet mask. If the IP address is not from this local network (does not match the mask), then it is sent to the IP address of the default gateway. The computer learns the MAC address of the gateway and to it and sends the packet.

After that, the router that received this packet sends it to the external network, to which it is connected via the WAN port.

Example

Let's say the computer is sending a job to the printer. The printer and computer are connected through a router. In this case, the router performs the function of a switch - it transmits packets from the LAN port to which the computer is connected to the LAN port to which the printer is connected.

When viewing a page through a browser, the router routes packets received from the computer to the external Internet network and vice versa.

The difference between a switch and a hub (network hub)

Most of all, a hub looks like an unmanaged switch. But they have differences. The hub simply transmits all received packets to all ports it has available, except where the packet came from. The switch is smarter - it stores MAC address tables and, after some training, transmits packets only to the correct port where the addressee is located, without cluttering the network with unnecessary traffic.

If several devices are connected to the hub, then it operates at the speed of the lowest-speed connected device. While on the switch, for each connection, a different speed is set on each port. That is, if on one port, as a result of auto-negotiation, the speed was set to 100 Mbit per second, then on the other there may be 1 Gbit per second. Of course, if the switch supports that speed.

Now it is difficult to find a hub on sale, since they are no longer produced, although they can be useful for analyzing the exchange between two devices. For these purposes, they are now buying switches and routers with port mirroring.

Additional equipment is required to organize a local network 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 the local network via mainly the Ethernet interface.

Router- 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 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 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 a router is much higher than that of a 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 (channel) 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 site

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 level 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.

To differentiate between a switch and a router, we first introduce the term "Hub". Concentrator- the simplest device that ensures the interaction of computers in a network. Each computer connects to a hub using an Ethernet cable. All information sent from one computer to another on the local network passes through the hub. The hub cannot determine the source or destination of the received data, so it sends it to all computers connected to it, including the one from which the information was sent. A hub can either transmit or receive data, but cannot do both at the same time. Therefore, hubs are slower than switches. Hubs are the least complex and least expensive devices to build a network. Switches They work as hubs, but at the same time they can determine the destination of the received data, therefore they are transmitted only to those computers for which this data is intended (the mac-address of the recipient's computer is added to the sent frame). We can say that the switch "operates" at the data link layer of the OSI model using frames. Switches can receive and transmit data at the same time, so they are faster than hubs. If there are four or more computers in a local network, or if you need to use the network for actions involving the exchange of large amounts of information between computers, you should choose a switch instead of a hub.

Routers allow computers to exchange data both on the current local network and between two separate network segments, for example, between a home local network and the Internet. Routers get their name from the ability to direct network traffic along a specific route using logical addressing (IP and packets). Routers "operate" at the network layer of the OSI model. Routers can be wired (using Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wifi), as well as advanced features (VPN). If you just need to connect computers, hubs and switches are the ideal solution. However, if you need to give all computers access to the Internet using a single cable or modem, use a router or modem with a built-in router. In addition, routers usually contain built-in security components such as a firewall. Also in the right hands :) the router can turn into a network storage, print server, home hosting.
Thus, switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model using frames and connect computers on the same network segment. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and can connect computers on different network segments, for example, an office local area network and the Internet.

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Many users do not know what is the difference between routers and switches, mistakenly thinking that devices have the same operating principle and serve the same purposes. To understand the difference, you need to study what gadgets are used for, where they are most often installed, and what their functioning is based on. The main conclusion that can be drawn is that a router and a switch are devices that are used for different tasks and purposes. However, they have different costs. It is worth noting that both gadgets are used for. Sometimes they are compared to the third type of gadgets - the hub, which is outdated today and does not meet modern technological requirements. The information given in the article will be of interest to people who are interested in the principle of building a network. In some cases it is necessary to use one type of device, while in others it is advisable to install a second type.

Switch and router perform different functions within the network

How the switch works

To understand the difference between a switch and a router, you need to understand the basics of how these devices work. It should be noted that a switch that is installed for computer networks is called a network switch. Such a device is used to connect a variety of computers to a network within several or one segment. It should be noted that the channel is used, that is, the second level of the OSI model. The first tier is used by legacy hubs. In this case, the device transmits information directly to the recipient, which increases the safety and performance of the device compared to a hub. The switch maintains special routing tables. This is information about the correspondence of MAC addresses of nodes to the ports of the gadget. During operation, the device sets the MAC address of the sender host and enters the information into the table.

In other words, any piece of Ethernet, that is, a piece of packet data, has a MAC address. The gadget records data about it and carries out the work of a kind of traffic controller, that is, it determines the computer to which information can be sent. Accordingly, data cannot be transferred to other computers. Thus, this type of network device guarantees a direct connection between the transmitting and receiving laptop, computer.

Such a device is not always convenient to use when working with large networks, since the memory of the tables with which it works is limited. Moreover, such devices have a low price and have an excellent operating speed. They are very often used in large companies to build networks, since this option is inexpensive.

The principle of operation of the router

A router is a router familiar to many. Such devices have a large amount of memory and, in fact, represent a mini-computer. This allows the router to handle traffic up to 1 gigabyte. The advantage is that the router is compatible with all kinds of interface modules. It should be noted that the device allows you to connect an unlimited number of routes.

Users are not always satisfied with the speed of work, since the router completely checks all data, not just the MAC and IP address. Such gadgets have an extended set of functions, for example, they can define various programs that come as input. It should be noted that the device operates at the third, more advanced OSI layer. The router allows you to bind networks that are incompatible in protocol and architecture. Such modern and convenient devices are certainly more expensive. At the same time, the devices do an excellent job of creating large networks.

Very often, routers are used for home use. Typically, the gadget receives an IP address from an Internet service provider, and itself performs IP addressing over the local network. Many advanced devices allow the user to take advantage of additional functions. Among them are built-in protection against dangerous malware, a convenient web interface that can be accessed using any computer or laptop, and even the ability to connect a printer.

The difference between the two devices may not be very clear to the average layman at first glance. It is worth noting that they can be used for the same functions. At the same time, gadgets differ in their principles of operation, cost, speed of work and other parameters. The router, as it were, "thinks out" the data transmission routes while the switch relays them.

Continuing to understand the differences between communication devices, one cannot ignore the comparison of a switch and a router, which, although they serve to create a certain network and are even similar in appearance, have different characteristics and capabilities.

A network switch is also called a switch in another way. The purpose of such equipment is to create a network between several computers or servers. In this case, the switch uses bridging technologies, and transfers all information to only one recipient. This increases the security and performance of the network. After all, other participants do not need to receive and process data packets that are not intended for them.

Some IT pros are pretty metaphorical about the switch being "smart." After the first transmission, it creates a special switching table, where information about the correspondence of the MAC addresses of the nodes and certain switch ports is entered. Simply put, this equipment distinguishes between all devices connected to the network and remembers how to transfer data next time.

Something like a switch and a device called a hub (hub). It also connects multiple computers to a LAN. True, today, hubs are almost never used. The thing is that they do not distinguish between network participants and send data packets to everyone. All of this negatively affects performance and bandwidth.

What is a router?

A router (or router) is a more complex device than a switch. It is a kind of networked computer that is most often used to create a local area network and provide access to the World Wide Web. In addition, it has many settings and specialized software. All this allows the router not only to unite devices into a common network and "distribute" the Internet, but also to assign IP addresses, protect home or work groups from external threats, restrict access to users or resources, control and encrypt traffic.

The difference between a switch and a router

Having understood what these devices are, it will be easier to identify the differences between them. The main ones are the following:

• A router is more technically complex equipment that has more functions and capabilities. Switches have limited functionality.
• The router and switch differ in how they work. The switch uses the OSI data link layer for data transmission. It reads MAC addresses by compiling special address tables. Due to which it can correctly redirect the information received. Its work can be compared with the equipment on the automatic telephone exchange, which redistributes the incoming calls between subscribers. Whereas the switch operates at the third layer of the OSI network model using the TCP / IP protocols. That is, it detects IP addresses, analyzes data packets, filters, restricts or decrypts them.
• Routers connect 2 or more subnet segments. Switches are not capable of that. Their limit is to provide data transfer within a specific subnet.
• The switch, unlike the router, does not independently connect to the Internet. Therefore, the router must have a WAN port to connect to the WAN. Whereas the switch has only LAN connectors.
• Thanks to the NAT mechanism, the router transforms one IP address assigned by the provider into several, in order to give access to the network for several devices at once. Naturally, the switch does not have this function.
• The difference between a router and a switch is also evident in the "stuffing". A router, like a mini-computer, has more built-in memory and a more powerful processor. The router also provides support for most of the interface modules. At the same time, some models of routers are equipped with network firewalls.
• The difference between any switch and a router can be found in performance. The switch has a very high data processing speed. After all, he does not need to check and analyze every data packet. However, routers can be used on larger networks. Whereas the use of switches is rather limited due to the small size of the routing table.
• Both devices differ in their cost. Naturally, a router, due to its functionality and more complex design, is much more expensive than a switch.

To differentiate between a switch and a router, we first introduce the term "Hub". A hub is the simplest device that allows computers to interact in a network. Each computer connects to a hub using an Ethernet cable. All information sent from one computer to another on the local network passes through the hub. The hub cannot determine the source or destination of the received data, so it sends it to all computers connected to it, including the one from which the information was sent. A hub can either transmit or receive data, but cannot do both at the same time. Therefore, hubs are slower than switches. Hubs are the least complex and least expensive devices to build a network. Switches act as hubs, but at the same time they can determine the destination of the received data, therefore they transmit them only to those computers for which this data is intended (the mac-address of the recipient's computer is added to the sent frame). We can say that the switch "operates" at the data link layer of the OSI model using frames. Switches can receive and transmit data at the same time, so they are faster than hubs. If there are four or more computers in a local network, or if you need to use the network for actions involving the exchange of large amounts of information between computers, you should choose a switch instead of a hub.

Routers allow computers to communicate both on the current local network and between two separate network segments, such as between a home local network and the Internet. Routers get their name from the ability to direct network traffic along a specific route using logical addressing (IP and packets). Routers "operate" at the network layer of the OSI model. Routers can be wired (using Ethernet cables) or wireless (Wifi), as well as advanced features (VPN). If you just need to connect computers, hubs and switches are the ideal solution. However, if you need to give all computers access to the Internet using a single cable or modem, use a router or modem with a built-in router. In addition, routers usually contain built-in security components such as a firewall. Also in the right hands :) the router can turn into a network storage, print server, home hosting.

Thus, switches operate at the data link layer of the OSI model using frames and connect computers on the same network segment. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and can connect computers on different network segments, for example, an office local area network and the Internet.

The organization of local networks usually lies outside the interests of the user - specialists are engaged in it. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to independently resolve this issue, confusion begins in the definitions. First of all, this concerns network equipment that performs completely different tasks and has its own functionality, insufficient or redundant for each specific case. This is a router, this is a communicator, price tags for one and the other, maybe antenna horns - that's all that a person who wants to understand in a shop window sees.

The concept of a switch and a router

Switch- a network device that organizes communication between computers in a local network via mainly the Ethernet interface.
Router- a network device that exchanges data between networks or network segments based on certain rules.

Difference between router and switch

The difference between a switch and a router lies in the plane of the tasks they solve. The switch distributes data packets between network nodes based on requests, that is, from one computer to the addressee - similar to switches on a PBX, which redirect an incoming call to the phone number for which the call is intended. The second layer of the OSI model, otherwise called channel, assumes that the switch reads the MAC address from the transmitted packet, allowing the packet to be delivered to its destination. Address tables are compiled from MAC addresses. The router works on the basis of the third layer (network) OSI model, parsing the contents of packets and compiling routing tables, in accordance with which data transfer is carried out. This device detects IP addresses and analyzes the contents of the entire packet, while the switch only detects headers with MAC addresses.
A router is technically more complicated than a switch. To connect to the Internet or any other external networks, you need a router, but the switch works at the same level and does not connect to the Internet on its own. The number of ports for both a router and a switch can be different, ranging from two Ethernet for a router and four Ethernet for a switch. The latter, almost without exception, only has LAN ports on board, the router must have a WAN to connect to the Internet. The router can work with wireless networks if there are appropriate modules, the switch works exclusively with wired Ethernet networks. The router assumes the presence of additional functions, for example, firmware for ensuring network security; you can also often find multifunctional models that combine a router and a switch.

TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between a switch and a router is as follows:

A router is a more complex device.
The router works with IP addresses, the switch works with MAC addresses.
The switch is not connecting to the Internet.
The switch assumes the presence of only LAN ports, the router - at least LAN and WAN.
The router works with routing tables.

To build local computer networks, the question often arises as to which equipment is better to use for a particular task - a switch or a router. In this topic, we will consider the difference between a switch and a router and try to explain their purpose and principle of operation in an accessible way.

To begin with, in order to find out what is the difference between these two devices, you need to understand that the router and the switch belong to different classes of equipment designed for building local networks. To understand their differences, we will give each of them a definition and briefly describe the principle of their work.

Router - purpose and principle of operation

The router is a higher class device than the switch and
is a networked computer designed to work with multiple network segments. That is, it is able to provide network interaction of several computers and simultaneously enable them to access the Internet.

The main difference between a router and a switch lies in the principle of operation, which is based on the OSI network model using the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol) protocols. They are also called stacks of the aforementioned model. TCP is responsible for breaking down data into blocks of information (datagrams) and creating a virtual circuit. IP, in turn, takes responsibility for the transmission of these individual blocks with control over their receipt.

The use of these protocols in IP networks allows for a clear interaction between wired and wireless networks. Therefore, using a Wi-Fi router to create a home LAN allows you to easily connect all digital devices into a single network for viewing and exchanging various kinds of information, including on the Internet. How to do this is described in detail in.

In addition, these devices have advanced hardware stuffing, equipped with enough memory to create a large local area network. Some models are capable of providing work with local traffic of 1 GB. Also, we must not forget about the software. Because often routers are equipped with security features such as network firewalls.

Switch - purpose and principle of operation

A switch, or as it is commonly called, a switch, is designed to connect several network nodes, but, unlike a router, only within one segment. That is, the difference in the principle of operation lies in the use of the layer of the OSI channel model, and not the network layer, as in routers. In addition, the switches work from the sender and recipient hosts of the local network, and the router relies on their IP addresses.

Thus, access to the Internet for all computers united into a single local network using only a switch (switch) is conditionally impossible. What does conditionally impossible mean? This means that access to the Internet for all local PCs only through a switch can, in principle, be configured, but according to a certain scheme. To do this, the Internet cable must be plugged into one computer, let's call it the main one, and set up an Internet connection on it. Further, through the switch, distribute Internet access from it to all other PCs of the local network.

The disadvantage of this scheme is that the settings for Internet access to all local PCs through the switch may seem complicated. In addition, in order for all computers to have the Internet, the first (main PC) must be turned on. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a router and connect all local computers according to the following scheme: computers → switch → router → internet. In this case, the switch will act as a link between the PC and the router, which in turn is connected to the Internet.

In theory, in this scheme, you can easily do without a switch, but provided that there are enough ports in the above device connected to the Internet for all local computers.

The advantages of switches, in contrast to routers, include faster data transfer within a local network. Therefore, if the goal is not to open Internet access to all local computers, then you can get by with just a switch. The speed of data exchange between PCs will be much higher.

In principle, it makes no sense to delve into the technical features of the operation of the router and the switch in more detail, the difference between them, I think, has already become clear to you.

Hubs, Switches, and Routers - What's the Difference?

At the heart of a computer network, 3 types of devices are used to connect computers - hubs, switches and routers. Each is important and plays a different role in facilitating communication between networked computers. From the outside, these devices may look the same: small, metal boxes with many connectors or ports where ethernet cables are connected (routers may also look like other connectors). The terms "hub", "switch" and "router" are often used interchangeably, but incorrectly - in fact, the devices are different from each other. Hubs are used to connect individual computers. Switches do the same (but more efficiently). And routers connect different networks (not individual computers).

1. Network Hub.

Compared to switches and routers, hubs are the cheapest, simplest device on the network. All data that goes to one port on the hub is sent to all other ports. Consequently, all computers connected to one hub "see" each other on the network. The hub doesn't pay any attention to the data being transmitted, it just sends it to other ports. The value of a hub is that it is quite cheap and offers a quick and easy way to connect computers into a small network.

2. Network switch.

A switch works a lot like a hub — but it does it more efficiently. Each data packet (Ethernet frame) transmitted on the network has a source and a destination MAC address. The switch has the ability to "remember" the address of each computer connected to its ports and act as a traffic controller - only transmit data to the addressee's computer and no other. This can have a significant positive effect on the performance of the entire network, thereby eliminating unnecessary transfers and freeing up network bandwidth. A switch can be thought of as the central component of a single network. It is used to communicate between devices on a network and to deliver Layer 2 frames (OSI model). A switch differs from a hub in that it does not retransmit frames to all other devices - it creates a direct connection between transmitting and receiving devices.

3. Network router.

Compared to switches, routers are slow and relatively expensive. A router is an intelligent device that links two or more networks to deliver Layer 3 (OSI model) packets. Since there can be many possible paths, a router takes many criteria into account when determining the path to send a data packet. The fact that switches and routers operate at different OSI layers indicates that they rely on different information (contained in frames or packets) in order to send data from a source to a destination.

An important difference between networks using switches and routers is that networks with switches do not block radio transmissions. As a result, switches can be spoiled by streams of radio packets. Routers block radio broadcasts on the LAN, so radio traffic only affects the domain from which it originates. Since routers block radio transmissions, they also provide more high level security than switches.

Analogy.

Let's use an analogy to help explain the difference between a router and a switch — it's a corporate mail server. When an employee sends a letter, it can be delivered to its final addressee through the company's internal mail delivery system or through the local post office (if the recipient is permanently outside the company). The switch here is represented by the company's mail server, and the router is represented by the local post office.

The switch does not check mail content or check the type of mail sent. The highlight of the switch is a table of MAC addresses (one for each computer on the network) and information about which port the final recipient's MAC is connected to. Thus, the switch keeps a list of company employees and their office numbers and is responsible for direct delivery of internal mail directly to employees. Thus, if mail addressed to a certain employee arrives at the switchboard, then he himself delivers it further. The router is responsible for delivering mail destined for people outside the company. In addition, routers can check the content of messages, and delivery rules can change depending on the content of the mail. This feature allows routers to play an important role in network security.

How does the switch work?

Switches are multiport bridges. They were created with the aim of reducing the number of colliding domains.

In addition to fast CPUs and memory, two technological advances have made the use of switches possible:
- Content Addressable Memory (CAM);
- application specific integrated circuits (ASIC). CAM is a type of memory that works differently from normal memory — that is, given the value of the data, the memory returns the appropriate address. This allows the switch to directly find the port associated with the MAC address (containing valuable data). An ASIC is a device that can be programmed to perform a function at high speeds in hardware. The use of CAM and ASIC technologies significantly reduces latency caused by software processing, and allows the switch to keep up with the high speed of data transmission requests in Ethernet networks.

Switches can operate in one of three modes:
- store-and-forward;
- cut-through;
- fragment-free.

The trade-off is performance versus reliability. In store-and-forward mode, the switch reads the entire frame and checks for errors. In cut-through mode, the switch reads the beginning of the frame to the ending MAC address. In fragment-free mode, the first 64 bytes of the frame are read - this is enough to determine if it is indeed a collision fragment (which explains most of the frame errors).

The Layer 2 switch builds its send table using MAC addresses. When a host has data for a non-local IP address, it sends a frame to the nearest router (also set as its default gateway). The host uses the MAC address of the router as the destination MAC address.

How does a router work?

Just as the switch maintains a table of known MAC addresses, the router also maintains a table of IP addresses known as the routing table. An important function of a router is to maintain these tables and to ensure that other routers are informed of changes in network topology. This function is accomplished by using routing protocols to communicate with other routers. When packets arrive at a router interface, it applies various criteria and protocols to determine the best path for the packet to be sent to its next destination.

A router can be programmed to apply complex rules based on the contents of the data packets it sees. For example, routers can be programmed to act as hardware firewalls, can perform network address translation (NAT), and can act as DHCP network services.

Due to their intelligence, routers are generally considered the most sophisticated network devices. In addition to the function of routing packet traffic, routers can be used to control network traffic, they also have the ability to adapt to changes in the network, which they dynamically detect, protect networks by filtering packets and determining which packets to block or allow.