Router Vs Switch

Router Vs Switch
Here are some points of comparison which highlight the differences between a router and a switch.

Router	Switch
Basically, a router is used to connect computers belonging to one network with those belonging to another or other networks. Thus, a router connects two or more different networks.	A switch on the other hand, connects different computers within one network.
As per the OSI model, a router is a Network Layer device, i.e. it operates at Layer 3.	Unless it is a multi-layer switch, a network switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer).
Routers are much more sophisticated and intelligent network devices, as compared to switches.	In comparison with routers, switches are less sophisticated and less intelligent.
A router works on the principle of IP addresses.	A switch works on the basis of MAC addresses.
A router's inbuilt hardware makes use of routing algorithms to compute the best possible path for routing data packets across different computer networks.	A switch does not perform any such activities.
Routers have their own inbuilt operating systems and they need to be configured before use.	Most switches do not require any prior configuration and are usually 'ready-to-use'.