![]() While a router is used to join two similar types of networks, a gateway is used to join two dissimilar networks. Because a WAN is distributed over a large area, it often necessitates multiple routers and switches. Large organizations and companies that operate in multiple locations across the country, for instance, will need separate LANs for each location, which then connects to the other LANs to form a WAN. A LAN usually requires a single router.Ī WAN, by contrast, is a large network spread out over a vast geographic area. There are several types of routers, but most routers pass data between LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks).Ī LAN is a group of connected devices restricted to a specific geographic area. It serves two primary functions: managing traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses and allowing multiple devices to use the same Internet connection. While switches allow different devices on a network to communicate, routers allow different networks to communicate.Ī router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks. A switch enables connected devices to share information and talk to each other. They connect multiple devices, such as computers, wireless access points, printers, and servers, on the same network within a building or campus. ![]() Switches are key building blocks for any network. Such switches are commonly known as layer-3 switches or multilayer switches. Some switches can also forward data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality. Packet switching allows data to be sent over the telecommunications network in short bursts or "packets" that contain sequence numbers so that they can be reassembled at the destination.Ī network switch is a multiport network bridge that uses MAC addresses to forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Switch:Ī network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, and, by the IEEE, MAC bridge) is networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device. These common components and concepts exist in nearly all modern networks. Just getting started in networking, this blog post provides a brief and introductory overview of a switch, router, gateway, subnet, firewall, and demilitarized zone (DMZ). What Is a Switch, Router, Gateway, Subnet, Firewall & DMZ? (Guest Blog)
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