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Switch and router are often used in the Ethernet local area network. In fact, both of them have different functions.

Functions
Router has a function in layer 3 from Open Systems Interconnection layer model or has been known as Network Layer. Router is a device which has intelligence to send data package to specific Internet Protocol address. Meanwhile, switch does its function in Data Layer of layer 2. Switch will assess data and determine the Media Access Control address.

Features
Switch and Router use Ethernet protocol to send and receive data. Some switches and routers use Fast Ethernet which operate in 10 or 100Mbps speed. Router has security features, like firewall built-in and an ability to filter IP address. The switch has a mix functions between hub and bridge. Like the bridge, a switch will send data to MAC physical address. Switch is also like the hub which has many ports to connect the computer into the network.

Type
Switch and Router offer wired and wireless versions. Almost of wireless routers can be used to setup wired networks. Some new switch models even can run functions in Network Layer or layer 3 from OSI model.

Additional Information
Almost of Local Area Networks need multi access point and router. Since the router can be used as a switch, we don’t need to add the switch again. Switch is needed if the network traffic goes slower. Besides, the IP switch is usually expensive and doesn’t have application in small home networks. For small LAN networks, the gigabytes router offers high speed with cheap price.