Difference between revisions of "Network Routers Versus Switches"
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | ==The differences== | ||
In computer networking, a [[switch]] is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. | In computer networking, a [[switch]] is often confused with a [[router]], but the two serve very different purposes. | ||
| Line 5: | Line 6: | ||
The confusion probably stems from the existence of consumer devices which act as '''both''' routers ''and'' switches. | The confusion probably stems from the existence of consumer devices which act as '''both''' routers ''and'' switches. | ||
| − | ==Neighborhood Analogy== | + | ===Neighborhood Analogy=== |
A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. A switch is the ''street'' which connects the houses, and routers are ''intersections'' which control the connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names. | A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. A switch is the ''street'' which connects the houses, and routers are ''intersections'' which control the connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names. | ||
| + | ==Bringing devices to 鶹Ƶ== | ||
| + | 鶹Ƶ does not allow people to connect '''routers''' to our network, because it interferes with the established network structure by assigning its own IP addresses. As a result, when a router is found on the network, the port with the attached router will be disabled, to minimize connectivity issues. | ||
| + | A switch or [[hub]] connected to the 鶹Ƶ network should function correctly. | ||
| − | + | Many consumer router allow one to disable DHCP serving (this is usually controlled in the router's browser-based control panel). If this can be successfully disabled, the router should essentially act as a switch or hub, and should function correctly on the 鶹Ƶ network. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | ==Check out a switch== | ||
| + | If you're a student living in a 3+ person room with only 2 network ports, you can check out a switch from [[Technology Services]] to add extra ethernet ports. | ||
| − | + | To check one out (for the semester / year), please stop by the [[Technology Helpline]] in [[Olin]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
Revision as of 15:59, 7 December 2006
The differences
In computer networking, a switch is often confused with a router, but the two serve very different purposes.
While a switch connects network devices together to form a LAN, a router determines the best way to route packets across networks, based on certain network conditions.
The confusion probably stems from the existence of consumer devices which act as both routers and switches.
Neighborhood Analogy
A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. A switch is the street which connects the houses, and routers are intersections which control the connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names.
Bringing devices to 鶹Ƶ
鶹Ƶ does not allow people to connect routers to our network, because it interferes with the established network structure by assigning its own IP addresses. As a result, when a router is found on the network, the port with the attached router will be disabled, to minimize connectivity issues.
A switch or hub connected to the 鶹Ƶ network should function correctly.
Many consumer router allow one to disable DHCP serving (this is usually controlled in the router's browser-based control panel). If this can be successfully disabled, the router should essentially act as a switch or hub, and should function correctly on the 鶹Ƶ network.
Check out a switch
If you're a student living in a 3+ person room with only 2 network ports, you can check out a switch from Technology Services to add extra ethernet ports.
To check one out (for the semester / year), please stop by the Technology Helpline in Olin.