Un switch connects the equipment of the same local network. A router connects several different networks and decides where to circulate the packages….
In brief….In a conventional infrastructure, the switch provides local connectivity and the router provides communication between networks….
Solution A….
Switch….
Le switch connects the stations, servers, Wi-Fi terminals and phones of a local network…
Key points…
- Transmits frames according to addresses(47)….
- Can manage VLANs on adminable models….
- Mainly operates at OSI Tier 2….
Solution B….
Router….
The router route packages between several IP networks, for example between the LAN and the Internet….
Key points…
- Use a routing table…
- Can provide NAT, DHCP or certain firewall functions
- Mainly operates at OSI model level 3
Comparative table….
| Criterion…. | Switch…. | Router…. |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Connecting devices in a LAN | Connecting multiple networks |
| Decision based on | Address(TM) | IP address |
| Example | Connect 24 posts in an office | Connecting the office network to the Internet |
| VLAN | Transport and local segmentation | Routing between VLAN if configured |
Choose Switch if…
You need to increase the number of ports or segment the local network with VLANs.
Choose Router if…
You need to connect sub-networks, access the Internet, or choose a route to a remote site.
Key takeaways
In a conventional infrastructure, the switch provides local connectivity and the router provides communication between networks….
Deepening the two notions….
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