Switch vs. Router [Definitions & Comparisons]

For your network to smoothly connect users to the internet, you need the appropriate solutions — switches, routers, access points, network cables, and firewalls.

However, keeping this list straight and understanding why you need each solution can get a little fuzzy.

Specifically, two of the most commonly confused appliances are switches and routers.

In a nutshell, both of these help direct network traffic, but their assigned function is different.

At The KR Group, we find it helpful to break up the distinction between switches and routers and then explain each device’s capabilities and how you can use them in your IT environment.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, here are the definitions for you to keep in mind while reading through the rest of the article:

A switch receives, processes, and forwards data packets between destinations in the same network. Using this solution allows your network to share information faster and ultimately improve productivity.
On the other hand, a router receives, processes, and forwards data packets from one network to another. Therefore, you need a router to connect to anything on the internet or within your own network with a different IP address.

This information will give you a basis to understand the differences and how they relate to the configuration of your network.

But, you probably still have a few questions, or at the very least, want further clarification. Here are a few points to explain the distinctions better:

Where do you need to connect?
What cybersecurity concerns do you have?
Which devices does your network need?

Having the proper networking gear is crucial to building and maintaining your business, and the following information will help you feel more certain about what you need.

Where Do You Need to Connect?

There are two types of connections you’ll want to keep in mind as you think about the differences between routers and switches: internal vs. external traffic.

Internal traffic occurs within your large-area network. This includes traffic from your laptop to the network printer or between servers.

External traffic is what gets you to the internet. For example, if you’re making a Google search, you’re requesting information from an IP address outside your organization’s network.

So what device do you need for each type?

Switches Direct Internal Traffic

An easy way to remember this is that your home network likely doesn’t have a switch because you don’t need to access different internal components of your network.

However, in a business, you have various systems connected to the network that work together; having a switch allows traffic to flow internally.

Routers Take Traffic to External Destinations

If you need a connection to any other network than your own, you need a device to route traffic.

From simple Google searches to connecting your VOIP audio and video calls to accessing cloud systems, you’ll need a router to get you there.

What Cybersecurity Concerns Do You Have?

You can’t think about network devices without taking cybersecurity into account.

Of course, you’ll need to implement systems, such as a firewall, DNS filter, antivirus, etc., to monitor and protect your traffic. Unfortunately, no single cybersecurity solution is 100% effective.

Your network is especially vulnerable because, once breached, the attackers can make their way throughout your IT environment and expand their damage.

When it comes to picking routers and switches that will aid your cybersecurity strategy, you’ll want to ensure the gear you buy is enterprise-grade.

Routers Need Protection from Outside Threats

Without the proper protection, threats from the public internet can use your router as a gateway to your entire IT environment.

Some options you should consider to protect your router are user authentication, next-generation firewalls, and intrusion prevention and detection systems, for starters.

Switches Need To Prevent the Spread of Threats

Implementing switches is a way to create additional security layers. It allows devices or networks to remain separate while creating a barrier between them.

However, you must have the proper protection in your IT environment. Just like with routers, you’ll want firewalls, endpoint security, and policies in place to secure your network.

Which Devices Does Your Network Need?

Up to this point, you’ve read about switches vs. routers as it relates to businesses with only one internal network.

However, it’s not always as clear-cut as needing one of each.

Device limitations might mean you need multiple routers or switches in your network. Or, you might consider creating separate VLANs for different network devices to logically separate them, such as VOIP phones, desktops, printers, etc.

When determining if you need a device for internal or external traffic isn’t so clear, what are your options?

Well, you could combine the two types of devices to meet your network’s specific needs, or you could look at a layer three switch that incorporates routing technology.

Moving Forward with an Optimized Network

Understanding the differences between a router and switch will help you make informed decisions for your network.

To recap, you need switches for internal traffic and routers for external traffic. You should also think about how you’re using the devices and protecting them from potential threats.

As far as deciding if you need one or both or multiple of each, you’ll want to account for the unique needs of your IT environment.

If all of this feels too time-consuming or overwhelming, you don’t have to make these decisions alone.

By working with an IT consultant and asking for advice, you’ll find the devices that match your specific technology needs.