Difference between revisions of "Switch"
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===Analogy=== | ===Analogy=== | ||
| − | A good analogy for switches and routers is to think of a network of computers as a neighborhood. | + | 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 connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names. |
==Switch Visual Example== | ==Switch Visual Example== | ||
[[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | [[Image:switchchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | ||
Revision as of 14:24, 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.
Not a router
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. A switch is the street which connects the houses, and routers are intersections which connect the neighborhoods and contain important information about them, like street names.
