Differences Between Router, Firewall & Switch

Router

Manages traffic between different networks, directing data packets to their destination, often connecting multiple devices to the internet.

Firewall

Provides security by controlling incoming/outgoing traffic, preventing unauthorized access and protecting against cyber threats.

Switch

Facilitates communication between devices within a local network, using MAC addresses to forward data packets efficiently.

- Router operates at the network layer of the OSI model, while a firewall operates at the network or application layer. - Switch operates at the data link layer and is mainly concerned with local network traffic handling and optimization.

- Routers often include Network Address Translation (NAT) capabilities, allowing multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address for internet access.