What Is the Difference Between Router and Switch

Different Application Scenarios

• Switch: mainly used in internal core access, internal data exchange, more used in local area network;
• Router: It is the network exit, mainly responsible for the interconnection with the operator, and is more used to connect to the external network.

For example, in a network environment, there may be thousands of switches, but the industrial routers used in the same environment may only have single digits. That is to say, if you communicate from the office building to the dormitory building, you only need to use the switch; but if it is from the office building to the workshop and factory assembly line that is far away, most choose router devices for remote communication. Módulo SPI

Different Functions

• Switch: The main function is the exchange of internal data, the management of subnet IP, and it does not have the function of accessing the external network;
• Router: Through the function of connecting to the external network, it assists the data transmission of other devices, such as serial port servers or PLCs.

Usually routers have AP functions, firewalls, routing protocols, etc. Industrial routers have VPN private network tunnels to protect private data transmission. For example, the financial industry often uses this function. Because routers are rich in functions, they are often used in traffic aggregation environments.

Usually switches do not have these functions, but some switches also have firewall functions, such as a series of Cisco. Módulo SOC

Different Interface Requirements

• Switch: Most of the use environments of switches are Ethernet ports, electrical ports, optical ports, etc.;
• Router: mainly LAN port or WAN port, some industrial scenarios also require RS232 serial port.

In most cases, routers are used in conjunction with switches. Switches are responsible for managing subnets and exchanging internal data, while routers are responsible for connecting to the external network. For example, the intelligent parking lot transmission solution: wireless networking is optional for road gates, and WAN+4G networking is optional for indoors. Fast access to the network, smooth networking and complete data. Remote management is more convenient. Accurately transmit parking space status data to create a comfortable parking experience.