This guide dives deep into the difference between router and switch, explaining their core functions, how they operate at different layers of the OSI model, and why you absolutely need both (or devices combining their features) for a functional network. It likely has more ports, and thus can interconnect more devices, but it's probably not loaded with enough memory to hold the entire internets BGP tables, or the sheer amount of processing power needed to perform. My plan is to leave the existing switches as distribution layer switches and have them all connect to one layer 3 core switch, each with 10GB fiber, and then have that core switch connected to the router for WAN traffic with 1GB Ethernet. (We don't move too much data over the WAN). depending on how the netwok is set up and if you have a. The core switch performs as a router and bridges the devices. It is. Confusing them is common, but understanding "router vs switch" is crucial for anyone designing, troubleshooting, or simply optimizing a network – whether it's a sprawling enterprise setup or your cozy home office.
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