What is the difference between router and switch?

This post was most recently updated on February 2nd, 2023

What is the difference between router and switch? The switch is to connect multiple machines in series to form a LAN IP. The switch appeared much earlier than the router, so the router can be said to be an upgraded version of the switch. The two are related to each other, but also different. They are connected and independent. Routers have improved many situations, such as the lack of forwarding packet paths. This article will briefly introduce the differences between routers and switches. Let’s take a look.

1. Different uses

The types of networks connected are different. For example, the LAN is mainly connected by switches, while the external network is connected by routers. Because routers appear late and are more compatible, they can also connect to the LAN. However, the demand for routers by individual users is not very large, and they are generally used by families and companies.

2. Different functions

Routers can connect multiple electronic devices in series and assign IP addresses, so that multiple hosts can use one IP address together, but only one IP address is displayed externally. The main function of the switch is to connect many hosts, each of which has its own IP display, forming a scenario where multiple IP addresses work together.

3. Different levels of work

The difference between routers and switches is mainly reflected in the different levels of work. The switch works at the second layer, which is the data link layer of OSI model. The router is in the third layer, working in the network layer of OSI model. The main reason is that the principle of the switch is simpler than that of the router, so the router has a higher level and more extensive functions.

In fact, with the continuous development of science and technology, the use of our daily life products is more and more in line with people’s production and life needs, providing assistance for a better life. Finally, thank you for your reading. I believe you have a deeper understanding of the difference between routers and switches after reading this article. I hope this article can help you.