Managed Switch VS Router – What are their major differences?
Switches and routers are some of the most used networking device. The following is a guide on their major differences and an insightful review of top products.
Most people use the terms switch and router interchangeably. However, switches and routers are different in operations and functionalities. A switch is a physical networking device that is basically used as for extra ports for wired connections. It is responsible for forwarding and filtering data packets between two LAN segments. Switches are referred to as unintelligent devices because of their inability to process data. Routers on the other hand are intelligent networking devices. And this is because they direct data in a network. They are also versatile and come with inbuilt software systems that act as gateways, hubs and antimalware. However, they also have similarities such as having Ethernet ports for connections.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between a Switch and Router?
Devices |
Switch |
Router |
Ports |
Multiport bridge |
Between 2 and 8 depending on the brand |
Form of data in transmission |
Frame and Packet |
Packets |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Wired and Wireless |
Layer |
Physical or Network |
Layer 3 – Network Layer |
Speed |
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps |
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps |
Mode of transmission |
Full or half duplex |
Full duplex |
Type of address |
MAC address |
IP address |
Product |
Switch vs. Router – How do these devices compare?
Functionality and use
As technology grows and evolves, switches are slowly becoming antiquated with their functionality and are being replaced by routers and modems. Switches perform the function of filtering and forwarding data between same LAN segments. They are also used to connect many devices to the internet through Ethernet. When they are used like this, they have to be connected to a router. Consumer grade allow between 4 and 10 devices to be connected while larger corporate switches allow up to 128 devices to be connected simultaneously. Routers are more complex in their use that can be regarded as small computers. It directs traffic into the connected devices (smartphones, smart TVs, laptops) by translating the branded ISP’s signal into a standard signal that can be used by the devices. Routers are therefore better since they are more intelligent, perform complex functions and are more versatile in use than switches.
Ports and connectivity
We’ve already seen that these devices have ports for wired connections. However, only the router supports both wired and wireless connections. Switches are used for providing extra connection ports and because of this, you will find that they have much more ports than routers. Consumer grade switches feature at least 4 ports while industrial grade have a minimum of 32 ports and maximum of 120.Routers also come with ports, with an average of about six ports for a standard modern router. There are different types of ports including: RJ45 Ethernet, USB or SFB in special industrial routers.Managed switches are better as they offer more ports and faster speeds.
Managed switch vs Router – A comparison Overview
Managed Switch
A networking switch is a device used to connect multiple devices to a computer network. It works like an advanced version of a hub by sending data packets to the device that requests it. A managed switch is however more complex. It is responsible for monitoring the network traffic and repairing any downtimes automatically. Because of this, managed switches are quite expensive and are mainly used by large institutions rather than personal home use. In addition, managed switches need to be accessed with some networking knowledge. It is accessed through Command Line Interface (CLI) or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The following are some of the top ones today.
Netgear Ethernet GS108 Switch
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
Netgear is known for its strong and sturdy switches and the GS108 continues to uphold this reputation. The little device is an 8 port switch with a blue metallic casing and a small LED light that indicates power on. The GS108 is capable of handling heavy traffic for either a small office environment or for your home. With a speed of up to 16 Gbps from the device, you need not worry about your devices’ connections. Like all Netgear products, it comes with a lifetime warranty. The product is readily and affordably available here.
TP-Link Fast Ethernet Switch
- Innovative energy-efficient technology saves power up to 70%
- Non-blocking switching architecture that forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum...
One of the best managed switches you can buy today is the TP Link Switch. It is a modern day switch with modern day features such as power saving technology and auto aging features. This switch is a great choice for anyone looking for a high speed switch that is quiet. With 16 ports, you can connect all your home devices comfortably. In terms of build, we loved this product as it came with a metal casing frame that ensures durability as much as sturdiness. No configuration is required and all you have to do is plug in your devices and turn it on. Other wonderful features include: auto negotiating, 9K jumbo frame, MAC address auto learning and 3.2 Gbps switching capacity.
Routers
Routers are probably the most complex networking devices today. They perform various functions including: directing incoming signals into the connected devices by translating the branded ISP signal to a standard digital signal for devices. It also stores IP addresses and creates one standard IP for the network and the connected devices. A router unlike a switch is used in LAN, WAN and MAN connections. Because of this, they support both wired and wireless communication. The following are some of the best routers today
TP Link Archer A6
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz ; 900Mbps for 5GHz),...
- Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect...
Our first router is an entry level router ideal for homes and small offices. The Archer A6 is also one of the best options for people on a tight budget going for less than $50. It is a dual band router that provides a total throughput speed of 1.2 Gbps. Although this is only the speed on paper, we tested it and found a speed of 150 Mbps which was rather decent for its price. Like other Archer routers, it comes with four exterior antennas and one internal. Other wonderful features include: MUMIMO, parental control and guest network access. It also comes with a built in security system and a WPA/2 encryption.
Netgear Nighthawk XR500
- Minimize ping and maximize performance with four 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports for lag free, wired...
- Amp up your Wi-Fi with AC2600 dual band router that delivers blazing fast speeds up to 2.6 Gbps
The Netgear Nighthawk router is geared towards a more specific audience: gamers. This is because the Nighthawk XR500 provides very high maximum throughput speeds. In fact, it is rated at 2.6 Gbps which is quite high. The high performance reflects on the price tag and you’ll have to part with a few hundred bucks to afford this router. In addition, the router’s design matches its functionality. It features a stylish future-looking design that resembles a space ship. At the back, the router is fitted with four external antennas for fast connections. On top of that, there are five ports (four Ethernet LAN and one WAN Ethernet) and a dual core processor.
Model |
Netgear Ethernet GS108 Switch |
TP Link Archer A6 |
Ports |
8 |
4 |
Speed |
16 Gbps |
150 Mbps |
Special features |
MAC address auto learning |
MUMIMO, antivirus and malware protection, parental control |
Color |
Blue, Black |
Black |
Availability |
Conclusion
Whether you need a switch or router, always consider what you need most out of the device. Is it price or performance? If price is your main concern, go for the Netgear Unmanaged switch or Archer A6 router. But if you’re looking for a high performance device, the Netgear router would be the better choice for you.
