Router, Switch, WiFi & Access Points?

[DelJo63]

What's the difference between these animals anyway?

The starting point is the Router. This component provides NAT(Network Address Translation) to allow one ISP connection to be shared with all of the devices connected to it. The router performs the DHCP service to ensure all devices have unique IP addresses.

Some routers have WiFi support - - this is just an interface to the RF device. When a connection is made, the DHCP does its job and the new device joins the Lan.

Lan? Local Area Network and all the devices send/receive thru the Switch component.

So, in the diagram below,

1. A ROUTER will be using the NAT, DHCP services, send data thru to the Switch and out to the device(s) via a wired or wifi connection
2. A Switch does not use the NAT or DHCP services and just send/receives data from the connected devices.
3. An Access Point supplies the RF controls and unloads into the LAN via the Switch component.

It all looks like this:

 

[Tech support]

Router
Routers allow computers to communicate and transmit information between different networks, such as the home network and the Internet. Routers are great for providing Internet access to all computers on your network and can also provide firewall security.

Wireless access points
Wireless access points, also known as base stations, provide wireless Internet access by connecting to a hub, switch, or router. Wireless access points allow computers to have wireless access to cable networks. These access points look like cell towers, you can navigate through different places and still have wireless access. If you want to share an Internet connection, you must connect the access point to a router. Access points are widely used by hotels, airports, and restaurants.

switches
Transformers are faster and more efficient than taxes because they can identify the source of the information sent to them and send information to the intended recipient. The keys can even send and receive information at the same time. The keys are perfect for networks in homes that share music and play on networks.

 

[DelJo63]

switches
Transformers are faster and more efficient than taxes because they can identify the source of the information sent to them and send information to the intended recipient. The keys can even send and receive information at the same time. The keys are perfect for networks in homes that share music and play on networks.

hmm; are these State or Federal Taxes? Who owns the lock that these keys fit?

 

[Tech support]

hmm; are these State or Federal Taxes? Who owns the lock that these keys fit?

Sorry, sir
This is a right answer
Routers might have a single WAN port and a single LAN port and are designed to connect an existing LAN hub or switch to a WAN. Ethernet switch and hub can be connected to a router with multiple PC ports to expand a LAN.

 

[DelJo63]

Sorry, sir
This is a right answer
Routers might have a single WAN port and a single LAN port and are designed to connect an existing LAN hub or switch to a WAN. Ethernet switch and hub can be connected to a router with multiple PC ports to expand a LAN.

There are many 4-8 LAN port routers available :sigh: