1. Different function
The function of the optical modem is to convert the signal of the telephone line into the signal of the network cable for the computer to use for the Internet;
The function of the router is to connect multiple computers through a network cable to realize virtual dial-up Internet access, which can automatically identify the sending of data packets and assign addresses, and also has a firewall function. Among them, multiple computers share a broadband account, and the Internet affects each other;
The function of the switch is to connect multiple computers with a single network cable to achieve simultaneous Internet access. There is no router function, but each computer has its own broadband account, and Internet access does not affect each other.
2. Different uses
Optical modems are generally used to access optical fibers at home; switches and routers work in a local area network, but the switch works at the data link layer, and the router works at the network layer.
3. Different roles
To put it simply, optical modems are equivalent to packaging factories, routers are equivalent to wholesale retailers, and switches are equivalent to logistics distributors. Generally, the analog signal transmitted by the network cable is converted into a digital signal by the optical modem, and then the signal is forwarded to the PC by the router. When the number of the PC exceeds the router connection, it is necessary to add a switch to expand the interface.
How to choose optical modem, switch and router?
1. When the home is connected to the optical fiber, just choose the optical modem and router, because the number of home network computers is small, the router can meet the needs of users;
2. When the number of computer connections exceeds the router interface (that is, the construction of corporate networks, local area networks, etc.), routers and switches need to be selected at the same time, and the switches need to be expanded to meet user needs.
