The difference between a network switch and a router
Network switches can use Ethernet to connect to modems like routers, and they have more ports to connect to a single device, so do you really need a router? Or can we replace it with a switch?
The network switch can replace the router, but it is not recommended. Internet service providers usually provide only one public IP address, which results in only one device being able to access the Internet when using a switch instead of a router. At the same time, it also raises major security issues.
Let's take a look at the role of routers, network switches and modems in home network settings to better understand why network switches should be used outside of routers rather than replacing routers.
What is the difference between a network switch and a router?
At first glance, network switches and routers look very similar. They can be used interchangeably, but in fact, they perform very different functions in the entire network.
The router has multiple LAN (local area network) ports and a WAN (wide area network) port, while the switch has only LAN ports, allowing the device to connect to it using Ethernet.
The WAN port on the router is only used to connect modems.
The switch does not have a WAN port, but this does not mean that one of the available LAN ports cannot be used to connect to the modem.
This setting is certainly feasible, but you need a crossover cable to work.
So, if you can connect the network switch to the modem, do you really need a router?
Yes, the main reason is that you usually only receive a public IP address from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
Even if you have multiple devices connected to the switch and the switch is connected to the modem, only one device can access the Internet at the same time.
In order for all devices to access the Internet at the same time, the router will be necessary because it is assigned a public IP address, and then it can assign a private IP address to each device on the network.
What is the role of the router?
In home network settings, you need a router to connect all devices to the LAN using wired or wireless connections.
The main task of the router is to route traffic from all devices to the modem, which in turn allows all devices to access the Internet.
You can regard the router as the hub of all devices on the network; They are connected to the router, and the router itself is connected to the modem.
Another main purpose of using routers is for security; It can protect all devices on your network from being exposed on the Internet.
From the perspective of the Internet, it can't see all your personal devices; Only your router.
Since the router is in place and controls all traffic between the Internet and your device, it cannot see which specific device is accessing the Internet.
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