How switches are connected to router?

Switches are commonly connected to routers in a local area network (LAN) environment to extend the number of available network ports and improve the efficiency of data transmission within the network. This connection is typically established using Ethernet cables. Let's go through the process step by step:

1、Router Configuration:

The router is the central device that connects the local network to the internet. It acts as the gateway for all devices within the LAN to access the internet and communicate with external networks.

The router typically has multiple Ethernet ports, with one port designated as the "WAN" (Wide Area Network) port, which connects to the internet service provider (ISP), and the other ports designated as "LAN" ports.

2、Switch Configuration:

The switch is a networking device that allows multiple devices within a local network to communicate with each other. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.

Switches come with various numbers of Ethernet ports, usually ranging from a few ports to dozens of ports, depending on the size and capacity of the switch.

3、Connecting the Switch to the Router:

To connect the switch to the router, you need to use an Ethernet cable.

One end of the Ethernet cable is plugged into one of the LAN ports on the router.

The other end of the Ethernet cable is plugged into one of the Ethernet ports on the switch.

4、Connecting Devices to the Switch:

After the switch is connected to the router, you can now connect other devices (computers, printers, etc.) to the switch using additional Ethernet cables.

Each device's Ethernet cable is connected to one of the available ports on the switch.

5、Network Communication:

With the switch connected to the router and devices connected to the switch, all the devices within the LAN can communicate with each other.

When a device connected to the switch wants to access the internet or communicate with external networks, the data is sent to the router, which then forwards it to the appropriate destination on the internet.

In summary, switches are connected to routers in a LAN environment using Ethernet cables. The switch expands the number of available Ethernet ports, allowing multiple devices to communicate efficiently within the local network. The router, as the central gateway, enables devices within the LAN to access the internet and communicate with external networks.