Switches & Routers

Switches and routers are two types of networking devices that are commonly used to connect devices on a computer network.

Switches are used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) or a small network. They operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model, which is responsible for transmitting data frames between devices on the same network. Switches are used to segment a larger network into smaller, more manageable segments, and to improve network performance by reducing the number of collisions on the network.

Routers are used to connect multiple networks and to route traffic between them. They operate at the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model, which is responsible for routing packets between networks. Routers use routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data packets to take as they travel between networks. They can also provide network security by blocking or allowing traffic based on configured rules.

Both switches and routers are important components of any computer network, and they work together to provide connectivity and enable communication between devices on the network.