Unlike a router which is capable of creating and routing between multiple networks, a switch is a device that’s designed only to facilitate communications for devices on the same network.

A router connects your local network to the internet and manages the flow of data between networks, while a switch helps devices within the same network communicate with each other.

A quick guide to managing a network switch versus a network router from PC Periodicals columnist George Cox.

Most wireless routers today are a combination of multiple features in one box: a router, a wireless access point, a basic firewall, and a small Ethernet switch.

These two devices help power your home internet connection. It helps to know how they function. Here are the details.

The difference is that a modem takes whatever data you need and sends it to the internet, whereas a router allows the devices in your home to wirelessly connect to the internet from the modem.