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 reviews on top products.
We sometimes use the terms router or switch 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. The following table further breaks down the differences and similarities
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 |
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?
Design and structure
For some, it may be difficult to distinguish a router from a switch. To distinguish between them, look at the number and position of external ports they have. While both devices have ports, switches have more ports due to their use. You will also find that they do not have antennas like routers. All routers have antennas, either externally or internal. An antenna is used to boost the signal and receive them for smooth flow of the network. Routers are also versatile in design taking different shapes, sizes and color. Overall, routers are stunning and much more modern looking.
Functionality and use
These devices are used for different purposes in a network. As technology grown better, switches are slowly becoming antiquated with their functionality 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. And 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 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.
Supported devices
This feature refers to the devices that the switch and router can be connected to. A switch, for instance, connects to devices through cable. Anything from a PC, console, server or laptop can be connected to a switch via cable. Routers on the other hand support a lot more devices becausethey allow both wired and wireless communication. In addition to the previously mentioned devices, routers can connect to smart phones, home assistants, tablets and more, all wirelessly. This versatility is what makes routers better networking devices compared to switches.
Pricing
One of the factors we consider most while buying network equipment is their price. Routers generally cost more than switches as they are much complex devices. There are however routers for any price range from fifty bucks all the way to $500 and even more. Switches are cheap avenging about $50 per unit. Corporate switches are however expensive. For home use, a router is a much better option since it is relatively cheap and offers more functionality.
Switch vs Router – A comparison Overview
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. It is considered an unintelligent network device because it does not perform any form of data processing, rather, it acts as a channel for data to pass through. The switch works in the data link layer of the networking OSI model. This is layer 2 where functions performed include: VLAN security and port management. They works by using the accessible memory table used for application specific chips. There are a lot of switches in the market but we recommend any Netgear, Cisco or TP Link switches. The following are some of the top ones today.
Netgear Ethernet Unmanaged 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. It is referred to as unmanaged because all you have to do is plug in the devices and you’re ready to go. 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 Unmanaged 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 unmanaged 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 Unmanaged 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.
