[Jessica Jagerson]

Provide the major difference between switching and routing.

[Mjulius513]

I don’t see a discussion here.

[Mjulius513]

The major difference between switching and routing lies in how they move data across a network. Switching is used within a local area network (LAN) to connect devices like computers, printers, and servers. It uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to forward data to the correct device within the same network. A switch learns the MAC addresses of the devices connected to it and sends data only to the intended recipient, making communication faster and more efficient.

Routing is used to connect different networks, such as linking a home network to the internet. Routers use IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to figure out the best path for data to travel between networks. Unlike switches, routers look at the destination IP address and choose the most efficient route for sending data, often passing through multiple networks before reaching the destination. Switching works within one network to connect devices, while routing connects different networks to move data between them. Both are important for building a reliable network.

[Trae Johnson]

I appreciate how you noted the specific role of each—switches managing communication within a LAN by MAC addresses, and routers managing traffic between networks by IP addresses. That makes the concept more understandable, especially for networking beginners.

[Trae Johnson]

Switching and routing are fundamental processes that are utilized to enable communication among devices and networks. The most significant difference between the two is their function and the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model layer where they operate. Switching occurs at the data link layer (Layer 2) and is responsible for passing data packets within a local area network (LAN) using MAC (Media Access Control) addresses (Odom, 2020). In contrast, routing occurs at the network layer (Layer 3) and is employed in order to direct data between networks using IP (Internet Protocol) addresses (Lammle, 2022).

A useful everyday example of this difference can be seen within an average office environment. In one office floor, computers and printers are all linked via a network switch, which uses MAC addresses in order to locally route data. However, when a worker sends an email to a person outside the office to another branch office located in another city. The data is passed on to a router, which determines the best path through the internet or a wide area network (WAN) in an attempt to forward the message to where it is destined.

It is important to understand the difference in order to implement effective and safe networks since switches improve local traffic, whereas routers handle larger network communications and internet connections.

References:
Lammle, T. (2022). CompTIA Network+ study guide: Exam N10-008 (5th ed.). Wiley.

Odom, W. (2020). CCNA 200-301 official cert guide (Vol. 1). Cisco Press.

[Mjulius513]

Great explanation! You clearly showed how switches and routers work differently. Switches connect devices within a local network using MAC addresses, while routers send data between networks using IP addresses. Your office example made the concept easy to understand. Knowing the difference is important for building strong, efficient networks. Everything was explained simply and clearly. Nice job!

[Erin Kesterson]

The difference between a router and a switch is how the data and information is sent. A switch will look for the most effcient way to send the data and a router will send the data throught the network that is local area data within the same MAC address. The Switch sends data through a IP address that allows you to be able to send data to anyone or device.

[Trae Johnson]

One of the things that might clarify this is that switches actually use MAC addresses to forward data within a local area network (LAN), delivering it to the correct device on the same network. Routers, on the other hand, use IP addresses to forward data from one network to another, like from your home network to the internet. Therefore even though both play a part in moving data efficiently, switches operate within a network utilizing MAC addresses, whereas routers connect different networks using IP addresses.

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