Network router question

[inqztive]

What is the difference between a Router and a switch?

 

[Viper GTS]

A router is a connection point between two logical networks, a switch is just a smart hub.

To be more specific, a router looks at a packet & determines which network it should be directed to, whereas a switch can only direct traffic on the same logical network.

Viper GTS

 

[inqztive]

I still don't understand it clearly.

 

[CubicZirconia]

A router is used to share internet access between multiple computers on a network. You might connect a cable modem to the router to share the cable internet. A switch is used to connect multiple computers on a network, though not necessarily using the internet. You could also connect a switch to a router to allow more computers internet access. A switch is like a hub, except "faster".

 

[inqztive]

I believe switch and HUB has a diffference. Switch HUB and Router all are different. I understand the difference between a HUB and a router but not Switch and router.

 

[Viper GTS]

<< I believe switch and HUB has a diffference. Switch HUB and Router all are different. I understand the difference between a HUB and a router but not Switch and router. >>



If you understand the difference between hubs & routers, the difference between switches & routers should be pretty clear as well.

Switches are just smart hubs - rather than re-broadcasting a packet on all ports it keeps track of systems by MAC addresses & then broadcasts the packet only to the recipient. The end result is essentially the same as a hub, just much more efficient (a hub produces one large collision domain, whereas a switch can direct traffic between two systems without interfering with traffic to & from other systems).

So switches & hubs are essentially the same thing, while routers are the truly different device.

A router is used to share internet access between multiple computers on a network. You might connect a cable modem to the router to share the cable internet. A switch is used to connect multiple computers on a network, though not necessarily using the internet. You could also connect a switch to a router to allow more computers internet access. A switch is like a hub, except "faster".

While that is one application of a router, a more general definition of a router is a device that connects disparate networks.

Viper GTS

 

[Fisher999]

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< would like to direct ALL of his OWN NETWORKING questions to VIPER!!!

 

[Tiger]

<< While that is one application of a router, a more general definition of a router is a device that connects disparate networks. >>



Or, segments a network into more manageable sized parts.

Think of a Hub as a cable TV splitter.
Think of a Switch as a cable TV splitter that knows which program to send to seperate TVs.
Think of a Router as a switch that not only knows which program goes to which TV but the best and most efficient way (route) to get it there.