A router and a switch serve different purposes in a business network. A router connects your local network to the internet and often includes firewall functions, IP address assignment, and sometimes Wi-Fi access. It acts as the gateway between your business and the external world. A switch, on the other hand, is used to connect multiple devices within your local network—such as computers, printers, servers, and phones—allowing them to communicate with each other. Switches come in unmanaged (basic plug-and-play) and managed (with configuration and monitoring capabilities) varieties. Understanding how both devices work together helps ensure your network is fast, secure, and scalable.