Chapter 8, Problem 1Q

Explanation of Solution

Layer-2 switch differ from a router:

• Layer-2 switch is a type of network switch or device that utilize MAC address to determine the path where the frames are to be transmitted, whereas router is a type of network device or system that forwards data packets between computer networks.
• Layer-2 switch operates at data link layer of the OSI model, whereas router operates at network layer of the OSI model.
• Layer-2 switch connect same or different types of cable, whereas router connect two different types of TCP/IP subnets.
• Layer-2 switch receive frames to an unknown destination then broadcast the frame after finding correct destination, whereas router broadcast the frame to correct destination using some routing protocols.
• Layer-2 switch uses hardware based switching techniques to transmit data in a local area network (LAN), whereas router cannot use any technology it simple transmit data from one router to another router over the network.