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Routers connect multiple networks to move data from computer to computer. Switches physically connect local networks.
Key Lessons
Switches create a local network, Routers connect those networks.
Routers are intermediary devices used to connect multiple networks in order to move data.
Switches physically connect local networks.
When you connect devices together so
0:00
that they can talk to each other,
you create what's called a network.
0:02
One way to accomplish this is
with routers and switches.
0:07
Routers are intermediary devices that
route data to its correct destination,
0:10
meaning routers connect multiple
networks in order to move data around.
0:16
Switches physically
connect local networks.
0:21
And while switches have
a similar purpose to routers,
0:24
switches are much less
intelligent than routers.
0:27
Now let's learn about how switches
create a local network and
0:30
routers connect those networks.
0:33
A router is made to take
data packets destined for
0:37
places outside the local network, and
move them from point A to point B.
0:40
Just like clients and servers, routers
use protocols to talk to each other and
0:45
figure out the more efficient
way to send each packet of data
0:49
from one router to the next,
until the destination is reached.
0:52
In order to work efficiently,
routing packets along the best path for
0:57
their final destination,
1:01
each router keeps information about other
routers in what's called a routing table.
1:03
When a packet is received, a router
examines the packet and determines where
1:08
it needs to go next, using
the information from the routing table.
1:12
To do this, a routing table contains
at least three bits of information.
1:17
The network ID,
1:21
the cost, meaning how efficient the path
is that a packet is to be sent, and
1:23
the next hop or gateway the packet will go
to on its way to its final destination.
1:27
Another piece of hardware that bridges
the gap between computers is a switch.
1:33
A switch is similar to a router
in that it also contributes
1:38
to a network's efficiency.
1:41
However, a switch manages
the flow of data across a network
1:43
in a slightly different way, by physically
connecting devices together with cables.
1:47
When a switch connects devices of
a school, computer lab or office together,
1:53
it creates what's called
a local area network, or LAN.
1:58
While you probably don't
have a switch at home,
2:02
since there are few ports
built into your home router,
2:04
you might be using one at school or
work, maybe even without knowing it.
2:07
With switches creating networks and
routers connecting networks,
2:12
we've created a wonderfully fast and
efficient process to move
2:17
data around our community and world,
but that's not the end of the story.
2:20
Stay tuned to learn about a few
more pieces of hardware and
2:25
software that get the Internet all
the way to your laptop at your house.
2:28
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