Router and Switch are both network connecting devices. Router works at network layer and is responsibe to find the shortest path for a packet whereas Switch connects various devices in a network. Router connects devices across multiple networks.
Following are the important differences between Router and Switch.
Sr. No. | Key | Router | Switch |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Objective | Router main objective is to connect various networks. | Switch main objective is to connect various devices in a network. |
2 | Layer | Router works in Network Layer. | Switch works in Data Link Layer. |
3 | Usage | Router is used in LAN and MAN. | Switch is used only in LAN. |
4 | Data Format | Router sends data in form of packets. | Switch sends data in form of packets and frames. |
5 | Mode of Transmission | Router follows duplex mode of transmission. | Switch also follows duplex mode of transmission. |
6 | Collision | Less collision in case of Router. | In full duplex mode, no collision happens in switch too. |
7 | NAT Compatability | Compatible with NAT. | Not compatible with NAT. |
8 | Type | Routing type is Adaptive and Non-adaptive routing. | Switching type is Circuit, Packet and Message switching. |