Function

Switch: This device connects devices in a LAN and works at Layer 2 (data link layer). It uses MAC addresses to forward data frames within the LAN.

Router: Connects different networks, and operates at Layer 3 (network layer). Utilizes IP addresses to direct data packets between networks.

Data Handling

Switch: This program deals with data frames and forwards them based on MAC addresses without changing the frames' MAC addresses.

Router: This device handles data packets, modifies the data link layer header as packets move between networks, and may perform NAT.

Port Types and Usage

Switch: Has multiple Ethernet ports of the same type for connecting local devices like computers and printers.

Router: Ethernet ports for LANs and WAN ports for connecting to external networks like the Internet.

Broadcast Domains and Collision Domains

Switch: Segments collision domains (each port is separate ), but generally doesn't segment broadcast domains.

Router: Segments both collision and broadcast domains, preventing broadcast traffic from spreading across networks.

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Tag：Router,Switch