What's the difference...

[BongoBob]

What's the difference between a router and a switch? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I need to know.

[Kjølen]

A router routes. A switch switches.

 

Well, a switch runs a cable between more than one computer. A router does.... something... and usually includes a 4 port switch built-in.

 

That's all I know, or don't.

[Writer]

Hmm... I learned that once... but now I've forgotten

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you look it up online?

[BongoBob]

I thought I could get a better answer on here : |

[Tyrion]

A router routes incoming signals to different computers. It has it's own MAC address; hence it only needs to send one signal out, and then just process the incoming signals to each different computer.

 

A switch:

 

  Quote

A mechanical or electronic device that directs the flow of electrical or optical signals from one side to the other. Switches with more than two ports, such as a LAN switch or PBX, are able to route traffic. See LAN switch, softswitch, PBX, data switch and transistor.

[Samuel Dravis]

A router is used when you need to connect two or more networks (LANs, WANs, w/e). It also helps get the fastest connection between them by selecting the best path for the data packets to follow, especially when used with large networks. A switch is used for moving data around inside of a LAN, such as sharing an internet connection. The name describes what it does - it switches the connection to the appropriate machine, saving you network bandwidth. This is unlike a hub, which forwards all data to all nodes on the network.

[BongoBob]

Alrighty, thanks. I am just looking for something to use for xbox live, right now I can only use xbl OR internet, not both.

[Samuel Dravis]

Here's what I have on my LAN, so you get the idea:

 

[ET Warrior]

As far as I was aware, a switch was basically something you would utilize if you didn't need the objects connected to it to have unique IP addresses when connecting to the internet. In the case of computers or an Xbox, a switch won't allow both to access the internet at the same time.

 

At least, that's been my experience with switches...

[Ray Jones]

Switch.

 

Router.

 

 

Questions?

 

[Prime]

  Samuel Dravis said:

Here's what I have on my LAN, so you get the idea:

 

That is the best picture of the Internet I have ever seen.

[BongoBob]

I second that.

 

Alright, no switch, got it. Thanks everyone.

[RoxStar]

You should probably get a router so that you have some protection from the swirly internet cloud, I'm serious.

 

Heres mine:

 

[BCanr2d2]

Getting a router, will generally render most firewalls not needed anyway, at least from external attacks. NAT takes care of most of hte issues of being open to the internet for attack. Only problem is stopping those that get through, via websites.. (IE stick to a software firewall only)