Home >Common Problem >What is the difference between a switch and a router
Differences: 1. Different working principles: The switch works at the relay layer and is mainly addressed based on MAC address. The router works at the network layer, addresses according to the IP address, and can handle the TCP/IP protocol; 2. Different functions: the switch can make multiple computers connected to it form a local area network, but it cannot automatically identify the address where the data packet is sent and arrived. The router is responsible for automatically identifying the addresses where data packets are sent and arrived, and can handle the routing of data packets; 3. Different usage scenarios: Routers are usually used for sending and receiving in one place. A switch is used to connect multiple computers.
#There are some obvious differences between switches and routers in terms of working principles, functions, and usage scenarios.
Working principle: The switch works at the relay layer and is mainly addressed based on MAC address. The router works at the network layer, addresses based on IP address, and can handle the TCP/IP protocol.
Function: The switch can enable multiple computers connected to it to form a LAN, but it cannot automatically identify the addresses where data packets are sent and arrived. The router is responsible for automatically identifying the addresses to which data packets are sent and arrived, and can handle the routing of data packets. In addition, the router can also perform virtual dialing. Computers that access the Internet through the same router can share a broadband account and influence each other when accessing the Internet.
Usage scenarios: Routers are usually used for sending and receiving in one place, such as a personal computer, a server, etc. Switches are usually used for connections and are responsible for giving one address to each small place.
To sum up, there are differences in functions and usage scenarios between switches and routers. The functions of switches are relatively simple, while routers have richer functions and can handle more networks. need.
The above is the detailed content of What is the difference between a switch and a router. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!