What's the difference between a rother and an ethernet switch?

Question

Also, what does an Ethernet switch do? What is it used for?

Answer 1

An ethernet switch is used to connect multiple ethernet devices in a LAN (local area network) It allows a 'connection' to be established between these devices, instead of the behavior of a hub, which sends the data to all ports on the hub. It can be 'uplinked to another switch or a router. A router is used to connect devices, hubs or switches from a LAN to a WAN (wide area network). One specific port on the router is used to uplink to a modem or other device that can send your traffic to a telco or cable provider. It can also provide additional services such as DHCP and routing (directing traffic)

Answer 2

Here's a simpler explanation 8-))) : A router acts as a junction between two or more networks to transfer data packets among them. A router is different from a switch. A switch connects devices to form a Local area network (LAN). One easy illustration for the different functions of routers and switches is to think of switches as neighborhood streets, and the router as the intersections with the street signs. Each house on the street has an address within a range on the block. In the same way, a switch connects various devices each with their own IP address(es) on a LAN. However, the switch knows nothing about IP addresses except its own management address. Routers connect networks together the way that on-ramps or major intersections connect streets to both highways and freeways, etc. The street signs at the intersection (routing table) show which way the packets need to flow.

So for example, a router at home connects the Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network (usually on an Internet address) together with the LAN in the home (typically using a range of private IP addresses, see network address translation) and a single broadcast domain. The switch connects devices together to form the LAN. Sometimes the switch and the router are combined together in one single package sold as a multiple port router.

In order to route packets, a router communicates with other routers using routing protocols and using this information creates and maintains a routing table. The routing table stores the best routes to certain network destinations, the "routing metrics" associated with those routes, and the path to the next hop router.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Routers sold in stores have switches and hubs built-in.

Answer 3

Router can only send the packets in between destinations. Its like a man standing in a temple and asking the piligrims to distribute their way so that everything goes smooth in the temple. Or, you may think of a guard in a theatre at the entrance..~~!!

Ethernet switch is different. It helps in switching the packets. Packet switching is done by this ethernet switch. I gave you the answer i know.. For details, you may read :

Answer 4

Simply if you know the types of IP address than it's more clear to understand . IP is a language of computer network. which establish communication in computer network. There are many class of IP address. Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E. This class mean it's a language like, English, German, Indian, Russian, Chinese. Japnese. Router is a device which eastablish the communication between different IP mean it plays a roll like a mediator. It can establish the communication between Japnese, chinese, german etc. so they can communicate with each other. I think Now You understand a Router in computer term.
On the other hand if you have more than two computer in your home or in office and you want to network your computer. Than you will use ethernet switch. So Ethernet switch can be used to manage your LAN (local area Network). Ethernet switch will help you to manage and share file, Printer, application. with in your local network. Hope you understand my friend.

Answer 5

hard matter. do a search at the search engines. just that can help!