Difference Between Routers and Switches - Business

Routers and switches are both devices used to get computers to talk to each other. However, they have different functionalities and the terms cannot be interchanged between each other. To understand the difference between Routers and Switches (say for example Cisco routers and Cisco switches), first you need to know what they are and then how they work.

What are Switches?

A switch is a connector between a number of computers. With a switch, you can build a network of computers. However, a switch is an intelligent device. It is able to store and recognise the MAC addresses of all the ports connected to it. As a result, when a message has to be sent from one port to another, the switch is able to understand where it should go and ensures that it goes only to that destination. The most visible benefit of switches is that this feature of discerning transmissions reduces the burden on network usage to a large degree. Secondly, it conserves bandwidth and reduces your expenditure associated with supporting the network.

What are Routers?

Routers are connecting devices that get one or more networks to talk to each other. Since they have to process more information, they are slower and more expensive that switches. When a router receives a message, since it may take more than one path, the router has to consider multiple criteria before allowing it to pass through. This slows it down. However, the good thing about routers is its capability to block broadcasts and thus have the functionality of firewalls. Switches are unable to do this; so, in case there is a broadcast storm, all the ports will be hit. Routers can restrict the storm to the domain in which it originated.

How Switches Work

Switches work by keeping a table of MAC addresses within their memory. When messages are received, the switch studies the MAC address and if it belongs to one of the ports within its network, the message will be transmitted. If the message has to go another network, the switch transmits it to the closest router also known as the default gateway using the MAC address of the router.

How Routers Work

Routers keep a table of IP addresses of all the networks within their reach. Routers constantly work on maintaining this table, updating IP addresses and notifying other routers of any changes in their routing table. The functionality of a router extends beyond the connectivity benefits it provides. It can be configured to act as a firewall and protect the network against unauthorised data transfer or access.

Apart from routers and Switches, some of the other products you might want to consider for an efficient working of your office are the Cisco Phones Firewalls, Cisco Telephones, telephone systems or telephones from Mitel, Sonicwall firewalls and switches and other Sonicwall products.

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