Switching vs Routing: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each?
When it comes to computer networks, switching and routing are two basic concepts which are the pillars of data communication. Whether you are studying for a certification such as CCNA, learning advanced networking topics such as VRF networks, or simply going through computer network MCQs, it is important to know the difference between switching and routing . At UniNets, where we provide networking and cybersecurity training led by experts—CISSP training, CCNA preparation, and more—we regularly discover students in disarray over switching and routing as two networking processes. Let's demystify what switching and routing are, how they are different, and when each is applied. What is Switching? Switching is the forwarding of data packets between devices in the same network or local area network (LAN). Switches function at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model and rely upon MAC addresses to forward traffic. Main Characteristics of Switching: Operates in a local area network. Prov...