Difference between revisions of "Switch"
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A switch is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. A router ''determines'' the best way to ''route'' packets across networks, based on certain network conditions. | A switch is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. A router ''determines'' the best way to ''route'' packets across networks, based on certain network conditions. | ||
| − | ==Analogy== | + | ===Analogy=== |
A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. The switches are the ''streets'', which connect the houses, and the routers are ''intersections'', which contain information about the streets, like street name signs. | A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. The switches are the ''streets'', which connect the houses, and the routers are ''intersections'', which contain information about the streets, like street name signs. | ||
| − | === Switch Visual Example === | + | ===Switch Visual Example=== |
[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | [[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | ||
Revision as of 14:15, 7 December 2006
In computer networking, a switch connects multiple network devices together to form a LAN. A switch works by filtering and forwarding packets between LAN segments, transparently bridging them.
A switch is essentially a more efficient, sophisticated hub.
A switch is often confused with a router, but the two serve very different purposes. A router determines the best way to route packets across networks, based on certain network conditions.
Analogy
A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. The switches are the streets, which connect the houses, and the routers are intersections, which contain information about the streets, like street name signs.
