Difference Between an Ethernet Switch and a Router

With so many ways to connect to the internet, the differences between the equipment can get a bit confusing. This is especially true when it comes to telling the difference between Ethernet switches and routers.

Ethernet switches

An Ethernet switch is a small piece of hardware that connects internet network segments. It works by using LAN lines. IP addresses use Ethernet switches to transmit data through a frame, or protocol unit. Some require cables, and others are hooked up via USB ports on the computer. These are widely used for small and home office connections for broadband internet services such as cable or DSL. This works because of microsegmentation, which is used to make sure that multiple access ports do not collide, but instead each computer receives an equal portion of the shared network’s bandwidth.

Routers

A router is a network device that forwards packets of data to the corresponding parts of a network. They create an overlay internetwork comprised of multiple LANs, WANs or ISP networks. These devices connect two or more data lines to different networks. When data is processed into a line, they process and send that information to the correct destination. These are popular for small and home offices. Using your airport or router software, choose which networks you want to join. Connections work with either wired or wireless or both types of networks.

Main differences

An Ethernet switch hooks together Ethernet networks by frames. The router transfers data packets that have both data and addresses, and handles connections to multiple computers, multiple LANs and WANs, etc.

As you see, there are significant differences between Ethernet switches and routers. Know these important differences when trying to hook up an internet network that is right for you.