what is the difference between a ethernet router and a workstation switch?

Answer 1

A router is a layer 2 device that routes packets between one or more networks whether they're in the same physical location or span multiple locations. Without routers the Internet would not exist. A switch on the other hand is typically a layer 3 device that assists in connecting one or more computers to a network. Packets routed via a router that end up crossing a switch's path are subsequently passed on to the relevant computer (if it exists on that switch). Computers connected to a switch do not have to be on the same network like the comment above. VLAN's can be used to seperate computers on to multiple networks even though they're connected to the same switch.

Answer 2

Routers are used to connect different networks that may be speaking with differing protocols. Routers are essentially the devices that bind the Internet together. Switches are devices used on the LAN side of networks to connect multiple nodes or create virtual local area networks or VLANS as stated previously.

Answer 3

A router connects two or more networks and determines the destination network for every data packet that it receives. A switch on the other hand connects two or more computers on a single network and determines the destination computer for every data packet that it receives.