Computer Networks
When we speak about computer networks, which comprise an integral part of our every day activity, we then mean networks that carry out connection and exchange of information between computers and enable their users to communicate digitally in order to share common resources or exchange messages. LAN (local network) networks, which connect bundles within one building or several buildings within a few hundred metres of each other, belong among the most frequent computer networks.
For connecting and communication within or outside these networks the most frequent transfer devices are switches and routers.
Switches
A switch is an active network component connecting individual network segments. A switch contains a larger or smaller number of ports (up to a couple of hundreds) to which network devices or network parts connect. The term “switch” is used for different devices in the whole range of network technology.
Routers
A router is a networking device which — by the process called “routing” — resends datagrams towards their destination. Unlike a switch, a router connects two networks and transfers data in between. Routing takes place on the third (network) layer of the ISO/OSI seven-layer model.