What does s Network switch do?

[MojangYang]

Okay, I know this question sound like a noob question, that is because it is.

Some websites told me a switch connect many devices to the same network, and the switch is connected to the router. But why do people need switches, I mean why can’t they just connect directly to the router? Is the switch just a Ethernet splitter?

[danomicar]

Essentially. Switches are used when there are many ethernet devices need to be connected to the same network. Your average home network won't have need for a switch, but something like an office or LAN center would use one.

[Donut417]

4 minutes ago, MojangYang said:

Okay, I know this question sound like a noob question, that is because it is.

Some websites told me a switch connect many devices to the same network, and the switch is connected to the router. But why do people need switches, I mean why can’t they just connect directly to the router? Is the switch just a Ethernet splitter?

Im going to blow your mind. Many routers have switches build in. Mind blown? Ethernet is not like electrical cables, you cant just split it with a spliter. You have to use a Hub or Switch. Hubs are no longer used any more because of limitations they had. Switches allow you to connect multiple Ethernet devices together. For example you have maybe 4 Ethernet devices in your bed room, but your router is in the living room. Are you going to run 4 Ethernet cords, or you can run one to a switch and connect all the devices to a switch. Another reason to use a Switch is if all the ports on your router get filled. 

[keskparane]

8 minutes ago, danomicar said:

.... Your average home network won't have need for a switch

only if only 2 devices

[Alex Atkin UK]

15 hours ago, keskparane said:

only if only 2 devices

Most routers have at LEAST four ports.

[beersykins]

Most businesses even aggregate all of their users in the switch side.  As above a home router is more often than not a combo device of a router, a switch and a wireless access point.

 

For simplicity's sake most people are just told stuff like 'plug it into the router bro'

[keskparane]

7 hours ago, Alex Atkin UK said:

Most routers have at LEAST four ports.

Because they have an built in switch. Just because it is built in doesn't mean it's not required.