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How the Internet Works

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Routers and Switches

2:32 with Joy Kesten

Routers connect multiple networks to move data from computer to computer. Switches physically connect local networks.

Key Lessons

Switches create a local network, Routers connect those networks.

Routers are intermediary devices used to connect multiple networks in order to move data.
Switches physically connect local networks.

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    When you connect devices together so 0:00
    that they can talk to each other, you create what's called a network. 0:02
    One way to accomplish this is with routers and switches. 0:07
    Routers are intermediary devices that route data to its correct destination, 0:10
    meaning routers connect multiple networks in order to move data around. 0:16
    Switches physically connect local networks. 0:21
    And while switches have a similar purpose to routers, 0:24
    switches are much less intelligent than routers. 0:27
    Now let's learn about how switches create a local network and 0:30
    routers connect those networks. 0:33
    A router is made to take data packets destined for 0:37
    places outside the local network, and move them from point A to point B. 0:40
    Just like clients and servers, routers use protocols to talk to each other and 0:45
    figure out the more efficient way to send each packet of data 0:49
    from one router to the next, until the destination is reached. 0:52
    In order to work efficiently, routing packets along the best path for 0:57
    their final destination, 1:01
    each router keeps information about other routers in what's called a routing table. 1:03
    When a packet is received, a router examines the packet and determines where 1:08
    it needs to go next, using the information from the routing table. 1:12
    To do this, a routing table contains at least three bits of information. 1:17
    The network ID, 1:21
    the cost, meaning how efficient the path is that a packet is to be sent, and 1:23
    the next hop or gateway the packet will go to on its way to its final destination. 1:27
    Another piece of hardware that bridges the gap between computers is a switch. 1:33
    A switch is similar to a router in that it also contributes 1:38
    to a network's efficiency. 1:41
    However, a switch manages the flow of data across a network 1:43
    in a slightly different way, by physically connecting devices together with cables. 1:47
    When a switch connects devices of a school, computer lab or office together, 1:53
    it creates what's called a local area network, or LAN. 1:58
    While you probably don't have a switch at home, 2:02
    since there are few ports built into your home router, 2:04
    you might be using one at school or work, maybe even without knowing it. 2:07
    With switches creating networks and routers connecting networks, 2:12
    we've created a wonderfully fast and efficient process to move 2:17
    data around our community and world, but that's not the end of the story. 2:20
    Stay tuned to learn about a few more pieces of hardware and 2:25
    software that get the Internet all the way to your laptop at your house. 2:28

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