What is the main difference between a switch and a router?

A switch operates primarily within a local network, facilitating communication between devices connected to the same network segment, such as computers, printers, and servers. It does this by receiving incoming data packets and determining their destination device based on their MAC addresses, allowing for efficient data transfer. On the other hand, a router is designed to connect different networks together, such as linking a local area network (LAN) to the internet. It does this by using IP addresses to direct data between diverse networks, enabling devices from different networks to communicate with each other.

This distinction highlights the primary functions of each device: the switch focuses on local device interconnectivity, while the router is tasked with routing data between different networks, allowing users to access external locations like the internet or other networked environments. This functionality is fundamental in networking architecture, as it underscores how internal (LAN) and external (WAN) communications are handled differently.