How does a router differ from a switch in a computer network?

How does a router differ from a switch in a computer network?

When it comes to computer networks, routers and switches play different roles despite both being essential components. Let's explore the key differences between a router and a switch:

Routers:

• Networking Layer: Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model. They use logical addressing (such as IP addresses) to determine the best path for data packets to reach their destination.
• Routing Decisions: Routers make intelligent routing decisions based on destination IP addresses, helping data packets to traverse different networks efficiently.
• Internet Connectivity: Routers are essential for connecting multiple networks together, including providing access to the internet.
• Security: Routers often include firewall capabilities to secure the network from external threats.

Switches:

• Network Layer: Switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. They use MAC addresses to forward traffic within the same network.
• Local Traffic: Switches are ideal for local network traffic management, helping devices communicate within the same network segment efficiently.
• Broadcast Domains: Switches create separate collision domains, preventing network congestion caused by broadcast storms.

In summary, routers are essential for interconnecting different networks and facilitating internet access, while switches are ideal for managing local network traffic efficiently within the same network segment.