gen-define-routing-versus-switching-and-give-one-short-worked-ex-8042

Define routing versus switching and give one short worked example.

# Routing vs Switching ## Definitions **Switching** operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) and forwards data within the same network using MAC addresses. Switches connect devices in a Local Area Network (LAN). **Routing** operates at Layer 3 (Network) and forwards data between different networks using IP addresses. Routers connect multiple networks together. ## Worked Example **Scenario:** Computer A (192.168.1.5) wants to send data to Computer B (192.168.1.10) and to Server C (10.0.0.50). ### Computer A → Computer B (Switching) 1. Both computers are on the same network (192.168.1.0/24) 2. Computer A sends frame to the **switch** with destination MAC address 3. Switch looks up MAC address in its table and forwards to the correct port 4. **No IP routing needed** - stays within the LAN ### Computer A → Server C (Routing) 1. Server C is on a different network (10.0.0.0/24) 2. Computer A recognizes different network and sends to its **default gateway (router)** 3. Router examines destination IP (10.0.0.50) 4. Router consults routing table, determines next hop 5. Router forwards packet toward destination network 6. **Router changed the frame** (new MAC addresses) but preserved IP addresses **Key difference:** Switch = same network, MAC addresses | Router = different networks, IP addresses