We explain it without getting too technical
Routers vs. Switches vs. Access Points – And More
With all the modern devices out there, some of the terminology can be quite confusing. Almost everyone has heard the term router, but what does it actually mean? Is your router just a router or can it also be a switch, an access point, and a gateway?
In the past, each term above usually referred to a single device that performed a single function. That is no longer true. Your "modem" from your ISP is probably a modem, router, switch, and access point all in one. You don't necessarily want an all-in-one device, as I'll explain later, although some ISPs will push you in that direction.
In this article, I will try to explain the concept behind each of these terms without getting too technical. First, I will talk about the difference between switches and hubs, since both devices fall into the same category. Then, we will talk about routers and why they are different from switches and hubs. Finally, we will talk about modems and other networking terms such as access points and gateways.
