What is a router vs router switch?

It seems there might be some confusion in the terms used. Let's clarify the difference between a router and a switch:

1、Router:

（1）A router is a network device that connects multiple networks together and forwards data packets between them. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model.

（2）The primary function of a router is to determine the best path for data to travel between different networks, such as connecting a local area network (LAN) to the internet. It makes routing decisions based on the destination IP addresses in the data packets.

（3）Routers are essential for directing data traffic efficiently, ensuring that data packets reach their intended destinations across various interconnected networks.

2、Switch:

（1）A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices within a local network and facilitates communication between them. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.

（2）The main purpose of a switch is to create a network segment or LAN where devices (such as computers, printers, servers, etc.) can communicate directly with each other using their Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.

（3）Unlike routers, switches don't perform routing or make decisions based on IP addresses. Instead, they build and maintain a table associating MAC addresses with the ports to which devices are connected. This table enables the switch to efficiently direct data to the appropriate device.

The term "router switch" is not a standard networking term, and it may cause confusion. In networking, "router" and "switch" refer to distinct devices that serve different purposes. A router connects networks and routes data between them, while a switch connects devices within a local network, enabling efficient communication between those devices.

It's worth noting that some networking devices, particularly enterprise-grade devices, may combine the functionalities of a router and a switch into a single device known as a "layer 3 switch." A layer 3 switch has the capabilities of both routing data between networks (like a router) and switching data within a local network (like a switch). This combination can offer increased performance and simplified network management in certain scenarios. However, in most cases, "router" and "switch" are separate devices serving distinct roles in a network.