The internet is by many measures a basic part of life in the 21st century. With this realization, professionals and lay consumers of the digital fruits are gaining more interest in information technology. In this paper offers a simple definitive view of routers and switches, their advantages, and the classifications of a switch.
Although switches and routers are both applicable in connecting one computer to another, the two devices are not the same. Dye et al. (2011) pithily defines a router as device directing messages between networks. For example, in a home, one router can route all connected devices – smartphones, tablets, and computers – to a cable or DSL modem. On the contrary, a switch’s design suits it for connecting many computers or network segments within one local area network (LAN) (Dye et al., 2011). Overall, a router and a switch exhibits fundamental functional differences; while the former suits a home setting where a few devices are used to connect to the internet, the latter befits institutional use where multiple computers are linked in a single LAN.
In the contemporary digital era characterized by a complex network of internet-of-things, one may be interested in knowing the benefits of using a router. Its most readily recognizable advantage is traffic filtering. They reduce traffic through network segmentation and filtering broadcasts by creating collision and broadcast domains. This process enables selective forwarding of packets addressed to hosts on other networks (Dye et al., 2011). Another often overlooked advantage besides the obvious connectivity of multiple networks is security. A router functions as an intermediary between two networks, thus avoiding the risks of a direct connection to the internet as in using, say, a modem. Moreover, it offers a backup plan using alternative parts of external network components in case one fails. A router is also configurable; network managers can make policies regarding routing decisions.
As in the case with routers, using a switch offers some unique benefits. First, a switch avails a higher network bandwidth than a router. This feat is achieved through microsegmentation, a feature allowing dedication of a switch port, comprising separate collision domains, to each connected device. Additionally, a switch allows simultaneous sending and receiving data across networks since it runs on a full duplex mode. Another notable advantage is that a switch can defy the impulse to replace technology with the latest inventions. For example, a 10/100Mbps switch will successfully support an old technology running at just 10Mbps and a faster modern version rated at 100Mbps. Overall, a switch is suitable for efficient use of intensive computer technology and can cushion an organization against the costly effects of device replacement by prolonging the use of old technology.
It is undeniable that the advantages of a router pale in comparison to those of a switch, evoking much interest in the latter. Switches are classifiable into two categories: layer 2 and layer 3. The first class comprises multiport network bridges processing and routing data exclusively at the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model’s data link layer. Generally, a layer 2 switch facilitates communication between devices on a single local network (Dye et al., 2011). On the contrary, a typical layer 3 switch additionally processes data at the network layer and beyond.
Routers and switches are integral in connecting devices to the rich sphere called the internet. However, individual needs differ, prompting one to be armed with some basic knowledge regarding the two: meanings, benefits, and categories. For a homeowner, a router may suffice; however, corporate use demands the versatility and robustness offered only by a switch.
References
Dye, M. A., McDonald, R., & Rufi, A. W. (2011). Network fundamentals: CCNA exploration companion guide. Cisco Systems.