A router and a switch are both networking devices, but they serve different purposes in a network.
A switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and uses MAC addresses to direct data packets to the correct destination within the same network. For example, in a home network, a switch can connect several computers, printers, and other devices, allowing them to communicate with each other.
On the other hand, a router is a device that connects multiple networks and directs data packets between them. It operates at the Network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to route data packets across different networks. For instance, a router can connect a home network to the internet, allowing devices within the home network to access websites and services on the internet.
In summary, a switch is used for interconnecting devices within a single network, while a router is used for connecting multiple networks and routing traffic between them.
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