Ethernet Switch vs. Router

You'll hear network technicians toss around the terms Ethernet switch, network switch, hub and router almost interchangeably; however, each of these devices performs a specific function on the network. If you’ve ever wondered "How does an Ethernet switch work?", this guide will give you an overview of how of these devices perform on a network so you can determine the best fit for your home or business needs. 

What is an Ethernet Switch?    
First, let's talk about the function an Ethernet switch performs on your network. This type of switch is also referred to as a network switch. It works as a central place for computers, printers and every other wired network device on the network to communicate with each other. The Ethernet switch can also be wired to the router via a cable that plugs into an Ethernet port, which allows you to access the internet through the modem.

While some routers are manufactured as a network switch and router combo, a router on its own performs a separate function from the switch even though sometimes they are found in a single device. For a modular setup, the switch, hub and router will all be separate devices on the local network. 
 

Comparing an Ethernet Switch vs. Hub
A hub works similarly to an Ethernet switch in that the devices on the office or home network will be wired to it. A switch will keep track of the plugged-in devices accessing the network by their Media Access Control addresses (MAC addresses) and will send received frames (packets of data transmitted as a single unit) to the designated port without causing lag on the network. A hub will share its bandwidth equally among all ports. It's not a big deal when only a single PC or a few devices are broadcasting on the network; however, when multiple devices are active on the network on a 10/100Mbps hub, this can degrade performance.