what is the difference between a switch and a router??

[newbie22]

I've always been under the impression that they were pretty much the same thing or least performed the same functions. can somebody tell me what the difference is between the two. thanks, much appreciated.

 

[BongWild]

1. A switch operates at layer 2 of the OSI model and therefore is concerned with only physical addressing. A router operates at layer 3 and deals only with logical addressing.

2. A switch breaks up collision domains but not broadcast domains. A router breaks up collision and broadcast domains.

 

[longN]

or simply: switch connect mashines from the same lans.
router connect mashines originating from
different nets.

 

[hexn]

There is a wonderful FAQ on the differences here:

http://www.tek-tips.com/faqs.cfm?spid=581&sfid=1442&CFID=38804123&CFTOKEN=60029548