Switching Vs Routing

Switching is a networking technique that connects devices within a local area network (LAN) by using a switch to receive incoming data packets and redirect them to their destination on the network. This process involves examining the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the packets to determine the appropriate output port, allowing for efficient communication between devices without unnecessary traffic. By enabling multiple devices to communicate simultaneously, switching enhances network performance and reduces latency.

Routing, on the other hand, is the process of forwarding data packets between different networks, typically using a router. Routers analyze the destination IP (Internet Protocol) addresses of incoming packets and determine the best path for them to reach their final destination, which may be on another network. This involves using routing tables and protocols to manage traffic across interconnected networks, making routing essential for enabling communication over the internet and between various network segments.