Eric, I been meaning to ask you… What’s the difference between a router and a switch?
Eric (a.k.a. TweakHound)says
Quick answer:
A switch passes info within a network, like your home network. It is smart enough to know which computer is attached to which port but that is about it.
A router connects two networks together. For most folks their cable modem also has a built in router. This connects the internet to your home. Your cable modem is only given one address rotatable on the web by your ISP. A router assigns each machine in your home network it’s own address that isn’t rotatable on the internet, typically 192.168.X.X but also 10.0.X.X. This allows all the computers on your network to communicate outside the network and with each other within your network. A home network only requires one router.
I have one router and 6 switches including a wifi router configured to act as a switch.
Most home routers have other features like firewalls.
If you Google it I’m sure you’ll find a video or 2 that will explain better.
Eric, I been meaning to ask you… What’s the difference between a router and a switch?
Quick answer:
A switch passes info within a network, like your home network. It is smart enough to know which computer is attached to which port but that is about it.
A router connects two networks together. For most folks their cable modem also has a built in router. This connects the internet to your home. Your cable modem is only given one address rotatable on the web by your ISP. A router assigns each machine in your home network it’s own address that isn’t rotatable on the internet, typically 192.168.X.X but also 10.0.X.X. This allows all the computers on your network to communicate outside the network and with each other within your network. A home network only requires one router.
I have one router and 6 switches including a wifi router configured to act as a switch.
Most home routers have other features like firewalls.
If you Google it I’m sure you’ll find a video or 2 that will explain better.