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Network Switch vs Firewall: Understanding Their Roles in Network Infrastructure

In building a secure and efficient network, understanding the distinct roles of a   network switch   and a   firewall   is essential. While both are crucial components in a network setup, they serve fundamentally different purposes that complement each other to form a robust networking environment. What Is a Network Switch? A  network switch  is a hardware device that connects multiple devices within a Local Area Network (LAN), such as computers, printers, and servers. Operating mainly at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2), switches forward data packets based on MAC addresses to the correct device port, promoting efficient communication and reducing network congestion. Switches also offer more advanced Layer 3 routing features to manage traffic between VLANs within a LAN. They support functionalities like Power over Ethernet (PoE), link aggregation, and Quality of Service (QoS), which are essential for optimizing network performance. What Is a Firewall? A  ...
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Network Switch vs Router: Understanding Key Differences and Use Cases

  In the realm of networking, two devices that often get compared are   network switches   and   routers . Both are essential for building and maintaining networks, but their roles, operation, and use cases differ significantly. This detailed article explores these differences to help you choose the right device for your network needs. What Is a Network Switch? A  network switch  operates primarily at the  Data Link Layer (Layer 2)  of the OSI model. It connects multiple devices (computers, printers, servers) within a local area network (LAN), forwarding data frames based on  MAC addresses  to the correct destination device. Switches efficiently manage traffic within a network by creating individual collision domains for each connected device, drastically improving bandwidth utilization compared to older devices like hubs. Some advanced switches also operate at Layer 3, offering routing capabilities within a LAN. What Is a Router? A...
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