The Differences between The router and the switch: Why You Should Know!

Many people still misunderstand the role of the router and the switch as hardware that connects internet connection from multiple aspects, including the connections’ scope. The differences between the router and the switch should be known to every internet user anywhere, especially for network owners in public spaces.

Differences between The router and the switch from Multiple Factors

As mentioned before, the scope of the router’s and the switch’s networks is different. These differences will be the main discussion before we move on to the differentiating factors between this two hardware.

The router is hardware for creating a wider computer network and distributing the network to every computer user. Shortly speaking, this the router connects several computers and simplifies the LAN (Local Access Network) access. This internet network works by activating the Ethernet or Wi-Fi cable, before sharing it with every user with access.

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On the other hand, the switch is a hardware for creating a LAN network in a location. A switch will share data transmission or the network equally so that the users can receive the same priority and rights in using the network. By using a switch, we can send data faster.

It can be understood that the switch and the router are two hardware with different functions. Not only their scopes are different, but there are also other factors in the differences between the router and the switch, such as:

1. Characteristics

Based on their characteristics, the switch can check the sent data before sending it correctly to save bandwidth usage. On the other hand, the router has different characteristics in the form of an adaptor and different specifications, as well as having power indicator, LAN, WAN, and the switch reset button.

2. Form

The forms between the switch and the router are different, and this factor can be an evident difference in comparing both. The router is larger, so it takes more intense maintenance because of its function in sending multiple networks, including LAN. The switch, on the other hand, is a smaller hardware than the router because it only connects computers in an area to the internet.

3. Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a parameter that displays data’s maximum transfer speed in a single period, which is marked by the bps unit. The size of bandwidth can be an easily seen difference between the router and the switch.

The router uses bandwidth effectively because its internet network does not reach all of its users. Oppositely, the switch requires a bandwidth with the 10/100 Mbps size so that its network can be evenly distributed to the client computers.

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4. Area Range

The switch can only reach a smaller area by building the LAN network. In this regard, the switch can only reach a local network in a house or office’s room. Conversely, the router possesses a wider network such as MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Access Network).

5. Network Topology

Network topology is a concept used by two or more computers in order to stay connected with an existing network. The switch relies on the star network topology because it can share its network into several lines which renders an easier information transmission to client computers.

On the other hand, the router utilizes the tree topology network to keep its functions running smoothly.

6. Functions

Lastly, the differences lie in the functions of each hardware, despite their similar role in sending networks. Commonly, the switch’s function is to prevent sending static data, receive MAC Address from the connected hardware, and continuing frame to the destination port. Oppositely, the router’s function is to connect several local networks (LAN) by an even wider network. Another function of the switch is to connect LAN with the DSL connection and share the IP address statically.

These six differences between the router and the switch should be consideration points before using them. The usage management for this two hardware can use the multifunction SUPRBOARD monitor network software to handle network problems in an office. Contact our team and apply for a demo to see the benefits of this software yourself!