BongoBob Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 What's the difference between a router and a switch? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but I need to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kjølen Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Writer Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Hmm... I learned that once... but now I've forgotten Out of curiosity, why don't you look it up online? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BongoBob Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 I thought I could get a better answer on here : | Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrion Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 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: 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samuel Dravis Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BongoBob Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 Alrighty, thanks. I am just looking for something to use for xbox live, right now I can only use xbl OR internet, not both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samuel Dravis Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Here's what I have on my LAN, so you get the idea: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ET Warrior Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Jones Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Switch. Router. Questions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BongoBob Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 I second that. Alright, no switch, got it. Thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoxStar Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 You should probably get a router so that you have some protection from the swirly internet cloud, I'm serious. Heres mine: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCanr2d2 Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 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) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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