When setting up a network, it's easy to become overwhelmed by all the hardware options available. Performance and price may be the ultimate factors in your decision-making. But there are different types of networks that demand the use of specific hardware.
A few networking terms you have likely stumbled upon in your search are Ethernet switches and routers. Before purchasing one option, it's good to understand the difference between a router vs Ethernet switch. Both can be used individually and in combination.
What Are the Key Differences Between an Ethernet Switch vs. Router?
Despite being almost identical in shape and size, network switches and routers serve different purposes. Both are connecting devices, but the main difference lies in what they connect.
Generally, network switches come before routers. They are networking hardware connecting multiple computing devices to form a single, unified network. Ethernet switches are the centermost point of any network. They allow devices in the local area network (LAN) to communicate domestically without needing an external internet connection.
A single Ethernet switch with multiple ports can connect everything from PCs and printers to fax machines. Port numbers range from five to over 60 ports depending on the intended use of the network switch. Furthermore, combined switches save network limited space and power. However, this approach would cost each switch a port for every connection. As a result, the cost of the network will grow.
On the other hand, Routers operate on the plane of the entire network, not individual devices. The ports on a networking router make either a LAN or a Wide Area Network (WAP).
As the name suggests, routers redirect and reroute data packets from the source to their destination over the network. Ethernet switches are between the router and the devices. Take the case of a single, small-scale network with one high-density switch. Connecting a router would allow all the network's devices to share the same internet IP address.
Routers play a significant role in distributing the internet connection among the devices in the network. Without them, individual devices are connected and configured individually. Routers divide and manage the traffic and bandwidth for all network devices. Routers do this through either:
- a wired connection—usually for PCs, servers, and printers—or
- wirelessly for portable devices—like laptops, tablets, phones, and internet of things (IoT) networks.
Network Switch or MAC Bridge
When it comes to connecting the devices within one or more networks, multiple approaches are available. As explained, switches create networks of up to 50+ devices depending on hardware capacity. In contrast, a bridge is a physical network segmentation tool.
Network bridges manage the network's Media Access Control (MAC) and bandwidth. With MAC bridges segmentation, every new network segment can have its set configurations and bandwidth. When used in networks with dozens of high-traffic devices, bridges can improve overall network performance. Bridges do this by:
- reducing the number of collisions and
- filtering specific types of incoming traffic
Furthermore, it's important to note that MAC bridges connect to the network segment through dedicated devices or servers. They do not connect through its Ethernet switch. As a whole, Ethernet switches are an essential tool for establishing a network. Alternatively, bridges are an additive, implemented later to improve performance and cut costs.
Connected Devices Create a Single Network
A single network consists of several connected user devices regularly exchanging data and information in a single network unit. Networks can be wireless, allowing portable and relatively remote devices to communicate with one another. However, the most efficient approach is using cables to connect the devices to a centralized hub. It saves energy and money.
In addition to convenient and secure communication, individual networks also tend to house devices with similar purposes and requirements. Networks allow for centralized configuration and device management that would otherwise be incredibly time-consuming if handled manually. In more extensive networks, bridges can further segment network devices based on:
- use case,
- needs,
- security,
- access privileges.
Isolate devices by separating them into individual networks through wired and wireless routers. The result is a security and access barrier. Routers can connect networks of devices in a location or over long distances. In addition, companies running multiple branches and offices in any given area often use them.
Contains Multiple Ports To Connect Wired Devices
When working with Ethernet switches, the number of ports in a switch and its bandwidth is of the utmost importance. Connecting multiple network switches is possible. However, improper and incompatible connections could strain the network and cause it to lag.
Ethernet switches for home usually contain fewer than a dozen ports for wire-connected devices. Switches for businesses can generally withstand a heavier load of devices with 50+ ports per switch.
Like switches, routers can have different numbers of ports:
- A couple of Ethernet ports—often reserved for limited use in homes and private property
- Or 60+ ports in enterprise-grade switches for commercial corporations and educational institutions.
Wired or Wireless Router
Unlike switches, routers are available in both wired and wireless formats. One isn't necessarily better than the other. It's essential to understand the advantage and disadvantages of each technology. It will let you see which suits your networking needs the most.
When it comes to speed, wired networks tend to achieve higher data-transfer rates. Even better when combined with high-quality Ethernet cables. Alternatively, wireless routers use a WiFi signal with speeds that depend on multiple factors, including:
- distance from the source to
- device density
- WiFi signal generation
As for range, wireless WiFi signals are inherently limited in their range. The signal becomes progressively weaker the farther the distance. Wired connections can maintain speed and quality. But they cost more resources and space, forcing you to provide high-quality, long cables.
Let's discuss the best use cases for wired and wireless routers. Wireless network connections work best for portable devices such as:
- IoT networks,
- gadgets that don't require high speeds or a lot of bandwidth.
Wired connections, on the other hand, are best limited to:
- high-capacity servers
- network hubs that connect devices with the most demanding traffic
Connects Multiple Networks Creating a Larger Network Layer
Switches help create a more extensive network layer by combining the communication resources of multiple smaller networks. In the computer networking model, the network link layer is responsible for transferring data packets and network traffic between various devices—in this case, multiple networks.
The larger the number of devices combined under a switch, the more strain the bandwidth puts. This number will likely reduce the data transferring speeds and network efficiency.
Uses Destination IP Address To Direct Network Traffic
Switches are the central point connecting the internal network devices to the internet and external networks. They aren't strictly hardware, as they need the capability to understand network traffic to direct it towards its destination IP address and deliver the source's response.
How To Choose Between a Router and Switch?
Choosing between routers and Ethernet switches should only be done after carefully considering your desired network structure and approximate size. An accurate estimation of the number of devices in the network is essential when it comes to switches. You need to know the number of ethernet ports required. And you'll need to know the total length and number of ethernet cables required.
Wired and wireless Routers depend on the number of devices and the overall size of the network you plan on creating. It's also important to consider internet connection and communication with external networks.
Are you buying a router? Not all routers and switches on the market are of the highest standard. Novotech is North America's leading IoT and networking hardware and services distributor. Novotech works with major carriers and offers networking solutions for business clients and private networking projects.
Novotech's networking Ethernet switches can be stand-alone or handle over 60 devices in a single network. Novotech also provides cellular routers that connect individual networks while functioning as a wireless access point to the network. Use cellular routers to access the internet directly or wirelessly link to a private computer network.
