Routers and Switches

Routers and Switches

These are both used for connecting computers through networking. However, they both are having distinct differentiation and purposes.

What is a Router?

A router is a networking device that connects computer networks, for example, connecting a home network with the Internet. Routers are the workhorses that transfer packets of data between networks to establish and sustain communication between two nodes in an internetwork. Routers operate at Layer 3 (network layer) of the OSI model. A router uses the destination IP address in a data packet to determine where to forward the packet.  

What is a Network Switch?

A network switch connects devices together on a single computer network. A switch is also called switching hub, bridging hub, or MAC bridge. Switches use MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination. A switch is considered a Layer 2 device, operating at the data link layer; switches use packet switching to receive, process and forward data.