What is the Difference between Switches, Routers and Firewalls?
Switches or network switches are hubs that coordinate network traffic so that the data on the input gets to the correct output. It does this by analysing the headers to determine the position of the recipient. Switches work in layer 2 of the ISO/OSI model - in the node. It connects network elements or parts of the network, most often end devices, such as computers or printers, directly to the switch.
Routers also have the task of forwarding data to the destination, but unlike switches, they do not create networks but connect them. It is crucial to set up the router correctly for it to work well, which is usually done by the network administrator. Routers in this category are not home WiFi routers.
A firewall is a network traffic security element that stands between networks and determines communication rules. In corporate or home networks, firewalls are plugged into the network's input, protecting all devices connected to it.
Types of Switches, Routers and Firewalls
Desktop - Desktop network elements such as switches, routers or firewalls are great for all applications. Their cabinet is adapted to be placed on a desktop, or the casing can have holes in it for hanging on a wall.
Rack - Rack-mounted switches, routers and firewalls are designed primarily for larger corporate networks because they fit into standardised switchboards. Therefore, their acquisition is worthwhile if you are serious about organising your network elements.
Functions of Switches, Routers and Firewalls
PoE (Power over Ethernet) - PoE makes it possible to simultaneously conduct data and power end devices with a single cable. Such power supplies usually support IP cameras, VoIP phones and WiFi Access Points. The switch plays the role of a power supply.
QoS (Quality of Service) - QoS is a technology that prevents switch congestion by distributing bandwidth among connected clients fairly. It considers the type of data being transferred and the priorities set.
Managed or Unmanaged Switches (smart switch, web manageable) - Managed switches give you complete control over the traffic on your network. Still, they need to be configured correctly by a skilled administrator.
Stackable - some network switches can be stacked. The stack then acts as a single switch with several ports that have all the sub-elements together.
VLAN (virtual local area network) - VLAN is a logically separated network that can be created on the switch. When a switch is split into several VLANs, each of them pretends to be a separate switch. This means that we can have multiple networks connected on one switch, but they are not connected to each other.
L2 - the link layer of the ISO/OSI reference model in which all switches operate.
L3- L3 routers work primarily in the network layer of the ISO/OSI model, but special L3 switches with routing functions can also do this.
Speed of Switches
- Switching capacity - defines the switching capability of the network switch. This is de facto one of the parameters defining the switch's performance, but its relationship to performance also depends on the number of ports.
- LAN port transfer rate - tells how much data can be transferred per second using the port. It is also essential to think about using the correct cable to achieve maximum speed.
- Packet Capacity - Packet capacity is the amount of 64B packets that the switch can forward in one second.
Switches and Router Ports
- RJ-45 - This is the standard Ethernet connector found in most switches, routers, firewalls and end devices, such as computers, IP cameras or VoIP phones.
- SFP - SFP is a transceiver that connects through an electronic interface but uses optical fibres for transmission. Thanks to this, it can achieve very high speeds and is therefore particularly suitable for business applications.
- 10/100Base-T - also referred to as Fast Ethernet. This is a standard port with an RJ-45 connector and achieves transfer speeds of 100 Mbps.
- 10/100/1000Base-T - it is the successor of Fast Ethernet and is also called Gigabit Ethernet. Its maximum transfer rate is 1000Mbps.
- Dual Personality - these ports have two connectors, one RJ-45 and one SFP. Both connectors cannot be used simultaneously. You can only use one connector at a time.
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