Router and Switch are computer network devices capable of connecting one or more computers, network devices, or other networks.
These two devices do look similar in terms of function but still have some significant differences. Maybe there are still confused about what is the difference between this router and switch. Let’s look at some reviews about routers and switch below:
Table of Contents
Router
Router is a network device whose job is to connect to a computer network, which connects the home network to the internet.
Routers are also capable of transmitting data between networks to establish and maintain an interconnected network of communications between two nodes.
What is a Router
Routers operate at layer 3 of the OSI model, where they work using the destination IP address in packets to determine where to forward packets.
In conclusion, this router is in charge of connecting the local computer network to the internet, determining which devices have priority, and being able to protect data from security threats.
Also routers many routers have a built-in switch that connects between network devices.
The router’s ability to connect between computers in a network is by sharing IP automatically by utilizing the DHCP protocol or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.
Router Use
The use of routers or the main functions of the router are as follows:
Connect Network
The first function of a router is a network connector. Routers have the main function in connecting several computer devices or other devices from several networks.
The goal is that users can send data packets from one network to another. In connecting the router connection using the distribution of IP addresses so that every computer in the network gets an IP automatically or statically.
Sending Information
The second function of the router is to transmit information. Routers have another function, namely in sending information or data from a network.
This network will later go to another network where the system works similar to a network bridge or bridge.
As a Network Connector to DSL
The third function of the WiFi router is to connect the local network with a DSL connection or digital subscriber line, or DSL router.
Router technology is now more sophisticated, which uses not only a wired LAN connection as well as wireless.
Router Type
Wireless router, connects wirelessly to devices that support the same wireless standard.
With this router allows receiving information from and sending information to the internet.
The router then makes communication with a wireless network that does not use a wired connection so that it can connect computers without the hassle of using cables.
Switch
A switch is a capable network device that can also connect computers on a network.
Switches are also called switching hubs, hub bridges, and MAC bridges. The switch can pass information according to the MAC address to be forwarded to the correct destination.
Switches are also considered as layer 2 devices and work at the data link layer. Switch works in packet switching to receive, process and forward data.
They also work at the 3rd OSI layer or network layer, which is where the routing function occurs.
What is Switch
For those of you who don’t know the difference between a router and a switch, you should first know what a switch is.
The switch is a computer network component that functions in connecting computer devices so that they can exchange packets, both receiving, processing and also forwarding data to other devices.
In addition to this understanding of the switch, there are other opinions that define a switch as a type of device that can be used as a connector from several HUBs that are able to form a larger computer network and require the same amount of bandwidth.
But this switch is different from the HUB in that the switch works more directed, efficient, and directly sends information to the intended address.
The switch is also capable of detecting the destination of the data to prevent collisions when data is sent.
Use of Switch
The general use of the switch is as a center or receiving terminal and to share data between computer devices. The following are some of the uses of switches that you need to know.
Looping Avoidance
Looping is the rotation of data that occurs in the switch port. Which switch can prevent looping when receiving data of unknown destination.
Then then the data received will be forwarded to the destination IP address through blocking on one of the ports connected to other devices.
Forward Data Frames
Switches can also be used as filters and forward frames to their destination address. In addition to sending data to the intended address.
In addition to sending data to the destination address, the forwarding of data frames will also continue to other MAC addresses and ports. So this is able to reduce collision events during the data transmission process.
Address Learning
Address learning on the switch is to record MAC addresses between connected network devices.
Then the switch is in the process of receiving data so the switch needs to record the MAC address of the sender as well as learn where the data is directed or sent.
Switch Type
The following are the types of switches that may be able to help you in choosing the type of switch that suits your needs.
Unmanaged Switch
This type of switch is included in the category of the cheapest switch compared to other types of switches.
This type of switch is also often used for home or small-scale office needs. Which has the main function is to connect the computer with other devices such as printers.
This type of switch does not have a configuration that is too complicated so that the installation process is easier and the price is relatively cheaper.
Managed Switch
Managed switches are the opposite of unmanaged switches which have advantages in easier configuration such as configuration using consoles, interfaces and the most sophisticated via the internet.
Smart Switch
This type of switch has undergone a characteristic modification, which is between the type of unmanaged switch and managed switch.
This type of switch also has the advantage of being able to adjust automatically but can be changed according to the needs of the computer network.
Enterprise-Managed Switch
An enterprise-managed switch is a switch that is owned by a company so that it requires a network as a monitor as well as a configurator.
It is also adapted to the concept of a more complex network. In addition, the switch is also different from other types of switches in terms of the number of managers and the ability to support devices. Usually only about 4-8 ports specifically for ethernet devices.
Difference between Router and Switch
| Router | Switch |
| Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network) of the OSI model. | Network switches operate at layer two (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model. |
| Router will offer NAT, NetFlow and QoS Layanan Services | Switch will not offer such a service. |
| Store the IP address in the routing table and keep the address itself. | Store the MAC address in the lookup table and keep the address itself. However, the Switch can learn MAC addresses. |
| 2/4/8 port network device. | Switch is a multi-port bridge. 24/48 ports. |
| Less Duplex | In Full Duplex, So, there are no Collisions. |
| The speed limit is 1-10 Mbps for wireless and 100 Mbps for wired connections. | The speed limit for the switch is 10/100Mbps. |
| Helping users to take faster routing decisions | Likely to take more complicated routing decisions |
| Router can do NAT | Switch can’t run NAT |
| In various types of network environments (MAN/ WAN), routers work faster than switches. | In a LAN environment, switches are faster than routers. |
| In Router, each port has its own broadcast domain. | The switch has one broadcast domain unless the VLAN is implemented. |
| The router operation revolves around the IP Address. | The switch works with MAC addresses because it operates within the confines of a single network. |
| The router can work in both wired and wireless network situations. | Switch is restricted for wired network connection. |
Choosing Routers and Switches
There are several things you need to know whether you need a switch or a router, consider some of the differences between routers and switches below:
Switch App
- Can be used to manage the flow of data across a network.
- Medium to large LAN containing multiple link management switches.
- Usually used in small office / home office (SOHO) applications, usually using a single switch to access various bandwidth services.
- It is used in computer networks to physically link devices together.
- Can use half-duplex or full-duplex mode to transmit data to other devices.
- Router App.
Router App
- Can create LANs.
- Allow internet connection splitting to all network devices.
- Can connect to various media and devices.
- Can be used to run a firewall.
- Can be used to determine where to send data from one computer to another.
- Can perform packet forwarding, switching, and filtering.
- Make sure the data reaches the desired destination.
- Can connect to a virtual private network (VPN).
Buy Router and Switch
After knowing the differences between routers and switches above, it is hoped that you will know what the differences are and which ones you need.
Buying a router or switch is not difficult, especially now that there are many e-commerce companies that provide it.
However, there are several types or types of switches and routers that may not be sold in ordinary e-commerce. Therefore, you can buy it at a store or company that specializes in selling a complete type of router or switch, such as at NetData.
Conclusion
In knowing the difference between routers and switches, you need to know some of the core differences such as the capabilities and features they have.
Where a router is a computer device that has more complex capabilities and features than a switch.
Therefore, switches are usually used to connect computer devices that are small in scope, while routers are usually used as a liaison for a wider network and are also widely used on an internet network.
