What Are The Differences Between Routers And Switches

1, A switch is a network cable that connects to the internet, but everyone dials separately to access the internet. Generally, everyone uses their own broadband, which has no impact on everyone's internet access. Routers, on the other hand, have an additional virtual dial-up function compared to switches. They access the internet through the same router, and computers use the same broadband account together, which can affect each other when accessing the internet.
2, Switches work at the relay layer and are addressed based on MAC addresses. And routers work at the network layer, addressing based on IP addresses. Routers can handle TCP/IP protocols, while switches do not have this function.
3, A switch can enable multiple computers connected to it to form a local area network, and there is also a proxy server that can achieve simultaneous internet access. All computers in the local area network share its bandwidth rate, while a switch does not have the automatic identification of packet sending and arrival addresses that routers have. The router can automatically recognize the addresses where data packets are sent and received. Routers have the function of directing and guiding traffic, just like traffic.
4, Here's a metaphor: a router is a small post office with only one address (IP), responsible for sending and receiving in one place, while a switch is a large postal center in the province, responsible for distributing contacts from one address to small places. That is to say, routers are responsible for network access, switches are responsible for delivery, routers are responsible for finding your way to the internet, and switches are responsible for opening doors. Without a router on the switch, you cannot access the internet.
5, Routers usually provide firewall services. However, routers only forward packets to specific addresses and do not provide transmission for packets that do not support routing protocols or unknown destination network packets.