Computer Network Tutorial

Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network Open Loop and Closed Loop Congestion Control Types of Cluster Computing WAP-Wireless Access Point What are the elements of the Transport Protocol Difference between Gateway and Switch Flow Control in Data Link Layer Body Area Network Flooding in Computer Network

Difference between Repeater and Switch
2023-04-09 16:39:35

Difference between Repeater and Switch

What is a Repeater?

A repeater is a type of network device that is used to extend the distance of a network segment by amplifying the signal of incoming packets and retransmitting them on the other side of the segment. A repeater is essentially a regenerator that removes the noise and interference from the incoming signal and retransmits it.

The primary function of a repeater is to regenerate the signal of incoming packets so that they can move to a long distance without losing their quality. A repeater is typically used in those situations when the distance between two network devices exceeds the maximum distance supported by the network medium.

For example, if a network cable can transmit data up to a maximum distance of 100 meters, and the distance between two network devices is 150 meters, a repeater can be used to regenerate the signal and extend the reach of the network.

A repeater operates at the physical layer of the OSI model, which is responsible for the transmission and reception of raw bit streams over a physical medium. At this layer, the repeater receives the incoming signal and transmits it on the other side of the network segment. The repeater does not interpret the moving data, but simply regenerates the signal so that the data or information can be transmitted over a longer distance.

Types of Repeaters:

1. Analog Repeaters

2. Digital Repeaters

Analog Repeaters:

Analog repeaters are used to amplify and regenerate analog signals. They are commonly used in analog networks, such as analog telephony networks. Analog repeaters detect and amplify the incoming signal and then retransmitting it on the other end or device of the network segment. They are designed to remove any noise or interference from the incoming signal so that the signal quality is maintained throughout the network.

Digital Repeaters:

Digital repeaters are used to regenerate digital signals. They are commonly used in digital networks, such as Ethernet networks. Digital repeaters detect and amplify the incoming digital signal and retransmitting it on the other end of the network segment. They are designed to remove any signal degradation or attenuation that may occur during transmission.

What is a Switch?

A switch is a network device that is used to connect multiple devices together in a local area network (LAN). It operates at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and is responsible for forwarding data packets between devices on the same network.

A switch acts like a traffic cop for network traffic, ensuring that data packets are sent to the correct device. When a data packet arrives at the switch, the switch reads the packet header and determines the destination device. The switch then forwards the packet directly to the destination device, rather than broadcasting it to all devices on the network. This helps to reduce network congestion and improves the overall performance of the network.

Switches are available in different configurations, including unmanaged switches, managed switches, and smart switches. Unmanaged switches are the simplest type of switch and are plug-and-play devices that require no configuration. Managed switches are more complex and offer advanced features such as VLANs, QoS, and SNMP. Smart switches are a hybrid between unmanaged and managed switches and provide some degree of management and configuration features.

The primary function of a switch is to connect multiple devices on a network or in an electrical circuit and facilitate communication or the flow of electrical signals between them. Switches provide a central point of control for the devices, enabling them to communicate and share information with each other efficiently and securely.

In a network, a switch acts as a central hub, allowing devices such as computers, printers, and servers to connect and share data with each other. It also helps to manage network traffic, directing data packets to their intended destinations and avoiding congestion or data loss.

In an electrical circuit, a switch serves as a control mechanism for turning devices on or off, or for changing the direction or intensity of electrical signals. Switches can also be used to regulate the flow of electricity, protect against overload or short circuits. It also helps in enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the electrical system.

Repeater vs Switch in Tabular form

Here are the differences between a switch and a repeater presented in the form of a table:

S.No.SwitchRepeater
1.Connects multiple devices on a network and facilitates communication between them.Amplifies and regenerates signals to extend the range of a network.
2.The switch learns and stores MAC addresses.Repeater does not learn MAC addresses.
  3.Switch segments LAN into multiple collision domains.Repeater does not segment LAN.
   4.The switch requires a higher initial investment.Repeater does not require investment.
   5.The switch provides better performance and security.Repeater does not provide any performance and has no security benefits.
   6.A switch can be managed through a network interface.Repeater cannot be managed.
   7.A switch can prioritize traffic with quality of service.Repeater cannot prioritize.
   8.A switch can perform VLAN tagging and filteringRepeater cannot perform VLAN tagging or filtering.
   9.The switch can provide over Ethernet (PoE) to connected devices.Repeater cannot provide PoE.
   10.The switch can support multiple speeds and media types.Repeater is Limited to a single speed and media type.