Difference Between Router and Switch (With Table)

In today’s fast-moving technology environment, the most important aspects which form the backbone of electronic communication is the connection of devices or system networks. The most common networking devices used are a Router and a Switch.

Though both terms are used synonymously and may look similar, there is a strong difference between these two concepts as they perform different activities in the networking world.

Router vs Switch

The difference between Router and Switch is that Router enables the computer or system to get connected with multiple networks simultaneously, while Switch enables connections to various devices simultaneously.

However, the above is not the only difference. A comparison between both the terms on certain parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:

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Parameter of Comparison	Router	Switch
Basic Purpose	Connects different networks	Connects devices such as hardware (printers, copiers)
Type of Device	Purely a networking device	Networking device plus software
How is the data sent or transmitted?	Form of the packet in full-duplex mode	Form of packet plus frame in full or half-duplex mode
Is WAN Port available?	Yes	No
Whether it can be used for WAN Networks?	Yes	No. It can only be used for LAN networks.
Whether compatible with NAT (Network Address Translation) or PAT (Port Address Translation)?	Yes	No
In which layer it works?	Works in the network layer	Works in the data link layer
What is the address used for transmission?	IP Address is used	MAC (Media access control) address is used
Availability of Ports	Two ports by default with the flexibility to add more ports	It comes with different port types such as 8, 16, 24, 48 and 64.
Which is the Table used?	Routing Table used	CAM (Content addressable Memory) table
Type of broadcast domain	Every port will have its domain	Will usually have one broadcast domain
Time is taken for routing	Less time	More time especially in case of complex scenarios
Manufacturers	There are more manufacturers for Router	Fewer manufacturers
Common Types	Adaptive, Non-adaptive	Circuit, message and packet switch
Examples	Wireless or wifi router, virtual router, core router (which distributes internet data within a network)	Managed switch, LAN switch, unmanaged switch

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A router is a device that connects multiple networks. A router can also identify the IP address of the network devices so connected. In simple terms, the Router enables the connection of local networks to other networks or ‘routes’ the traffic between the network devices and the internet.

A router forwards data packets between networks which helps in the connection.

The router also assigns local IP addresses to the network devices which enables data packets to move appropriately.

A router helps in providing quick internet availability. A router enables directing the traffic in the network and also finding and efficiently delivering the same. Also, in certain cases such as MAN or WAN, a Router is an important component and preferred choice.

The router comes in multiple variants such as wireless routers (which will receive and transmit information to/from the internet) or wired routers which will be connected to the system through wires. Also, there are virtual routers, core routers, edge routers.

A switch is a device that enables the connection of multiple devices such as computers, servers, scanners, printers, within the same network. The switch enables the sharing of information among the connected devices.

The switch also helps in resource sharing. In simple words, a Switch can be considered as hardware that filters and takes forward the system bundles or maybe even the data from one communication equipment to another.

A switch is a key component of any network system. The switch will allow different connection points of a network to communicate with each other smoothly and efficiently. The switch can create multiple sequences of instantaneous network connections.

The switch can come in various types such as unmanaged switches (which require no configuration, only plugin required), managed switches (which require configuration but which also provide the added benefit of security features and other flexibility).

Also, there could be different types of switching such as circuit switching, message switching, packet switching, virtual packet switch, datagram switching.

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Router and Switch are very much in vogue today. Also, there is a tendency to equate both these terms as the same and as a result, one may buy a Router instead of a Switch and vice versa.

Therefore, it would be a prudent idea if the assessment of their subtle differences is undertaken before deciding on the purchase as both of them differ from each other in practicality as well as in utilization.

A Switch may be used as a Router but again the configuration options may be limited. Some years back, the Switch was a faster choice compared to the Router but with the advancement of technology even now the Router can generate the equivalent action.

A thorough practical understanding and advice, especially from networking specialists, is suggested to reap the full benefits of either the Router or Switch deployment.

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1. https://kilthub.cmu.edu/ndownloader/files/12074552
2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1268581/

Last update on 2021-12-06 / Amazon Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API