Router vs Switch: Difference and Comparison

In today’s fast-moving technology environment, the most critical aspect which forms 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.

Key Takeaways

1. Routers are network devices facilitating communication between networks, determining the best path for data packets to travel from source to destination using IP addresses.
2. Switches are network devices that connect devices within a single network, forwarding data packets based on MAC addresses, enabling more efficient and targeted communication within a local area network (LAN).
3. The primary difference between routers and switches lies in their function and use within a network, with routers connecting different networks and using IP addresses. In contrast, switches focus on connecting devices within a single network using MAC addresses.

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 specific parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:

---

 

Comparison Table

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 Can it 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	We will have one broadcast domain
Time is taken for routing	Less time	More time, especially in case of complex scenarios
Manufacturers	There are more manufacturers of 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

---

 

What is Router?

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, enabling data packets to move appropriately.

A router helps to provide quick internet availability. A router enables directing the traffic in the network and also finding and efficiently delivering the same.

Also, a Router is an essential component and preferred choice in some instances, such as MAN or WAN.

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, and edge routers.

 

What is Switch?

A switch is a device that enables the connection of multiple devices, such as computers, servers, scanners, and 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 critical 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 a plugin required) and managed switches (which require configuration but 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 switching, and datagram switching.

---

Main Differences Between Router and Switch

1. The router is utilized to connect multiple communication systems (one local network to another local network). The switch is utilized to connect multiple devices on a network.
2. The router uses IP (internet protocol) address for the transmission of data. The switch uses the MAC address for the transmission of data.
3. The router can contain 2 ports by default, though serial ports can be added later. The switch will come in ports such as 8, 16, 24, 48 and 64.
4. The router, by default, is in full-duplex mode, though it can be changed to half-duplex. The switch can be used in half-plus full-duplex mode.
5. The router works in a network layer and can be used under LAN or MAN. The switch will work in the data link layer and can only be used under LAN.
6. The router uses routing tables to get the destination IP and transmits data in packet form. The switch will use the CAM (Content addressable Memory) table to get MAC addresses and transmit data in frames.

References

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