✅ What is Routing?

Routing is the process of determining the best path for data packets to travel from one network to another. Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model and make decisions based on IP addresses.

• Purpose: Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN, LAN to the Internet).
• Devices Used: Routers
• Key Protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, RIP

How Routing Works:

1. A router receives a packet.
2. It checks the destination IP address.
3. Based on its routing table, it forwards the packet to the next hop.

✅ What is Switching?

Switching is the process of forwarding data within the same network. Switches operate at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) and forward data based on MAC addresses.

• Purpose: Connects devices within the same network (e.g., computers, printers in a LAN).
• Devices Used: Switches
• Key Protocols: VLAN, STP, VTP, EtherChannel

How Switching Works:

1. A switch receives a data frame.
2. It checks the destination MAC address.
3. It forwards the frame to the correct port where the device is connected.