BleepingComputer.com: Router Vs. Switch

Can anyone tell me why would someone want to get a switch instead of a router for the home use, with the exception of the fact that switch might have more physical ports? I was preoccupied with this question for quite some time.

Searching online will provide you a ton of information pertaining to the uses and differences of these network devices.

My understanding of the two is as follows:

A switch is just that...a switch. It allows more devices to connect to a network without complication.

A router on the other hand provides more features such as: a built-in firewall and DHCP server, and the ability to join multiple networks.

As mentioned above, a simple Google search should be able to answer all your questions:
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=router+vs+switch&l=1

Re: Link above....Cute. I did google it. I always do before I ask. I just wanted to hear what pro's have to say. My only dilemma is, what is the point of getting a switch if I can just get a router to let's say plug in 10 computers together, wirelessly or otherwise.

A switch has no obvious advantages over a router, as far as I know (besides a lower cost).

Glad you liked the LMGTFY link. It's always a crowd-pleaser.

Techinically a switch is an appliance that allows multiple computers to connect to one another on ther same local network. A router by definition allows a local network to speak with seperate subnets lke the internet or a logical seperation by using different IP address ranges. What gets confusing is that most of the consumer level "routers" have switches built into them. Take a look at some of the Cisco stuff they have one port for the WAN and one port for the LAN. Truly that is all a router needs to have since it is a gateway to differing subnets.

Basically if you want to connect multiple computers to the internet use a router. If you want them to communicate on a local level only (like for a LAN party) then use a switch.

I think router. because no ethernet cables needed (effective only in laptops because they have wifi device. in Desktop PC, you need to buy wifi device to connect them to the router but its a little kind of expensive). but if your setting up a Local Area Network Desktop PC's for your Office better to choose the switch because data bandwith is faster than wireless connection. and a little kind of cheaper instead of buying your desktop pc's a wifi device then connecting them to the router to setup the lan.

Thank you everyone for responding.