Switch vs. Router in Network Topology

In a network topology, switches and routers are essential components for data transmission and connectivity. Here's a brief explanation of the difference between the two:

Switch:

A switch is a hardware device that operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It is used to connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and forward data packets between them based on MAC addresses. Switches are primarily used to create network segments and improve network performance by reducing network congestion.

Router:

A router is a networking device that operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. It is used to connect multiple networks together and route data packets between them based on IP addresses. Routers are responsible for determining the best path for data transmission across different networks and are essential for connecting disparate networks, such as LANs and the Internet.

In summary, switches are used for intra-network communication within a LAN, while routers are used for inter-network communication between different networks.