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.