While a network switch can connect multiple devices and networks to expand the LAN, a router will allow you to share a single IP address among multiple network devices. In simpler terms, the Ethernet switch creates networks and the router allows for connections between networks. The majority of routers have a single LAN port and single WAN port, while a switch will have multiple ports for different devices to communicate within the LAN such as PCs and printers. The router will allow PCs and other connected devices to access the internet and other networks. A wireless router can also transmit a Wi-Fi signal that wireless devices may connect to. This is especially convenient for allowing laptops and mobile devices onto to the Wi-Fi network for internet access or giving accessibility to a printer with Wi-Fi capabilities that anyone logged into the network may utilize. An Ethernet switch is limited to the devices that may be wired into it via an Ethernet cable plugged into the device's Ethernet port.

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As you can see, you can integrate different combinations of hubs, routers and switches on your wired or wireless network. If you have only a few devices on your LAN, a hub may be a good choice for a central connection for your devices. If you have the need for more connections, an Ethernet switch may be a better option over a hub. The reason is that there is less lag when you use the switch with multiple devices on a hub since received frames will only be directed to devices active on the network.

Now that you know how an Ethernet switch works along with the functions of a hub and router, you can use this information to drill down to the perfect setup for your home or office network for the the fastest
internet connections and Wi-Fi speeds.