Question

What are interfaces? Explain the network adage, "Switch where you can; route where you must."

Answer 1

Interface: It is the connection between the two devices either of the same network or different network. The interface can be either physical or a virtual form of interface. It is actually a network interface card which can either be a software or a hardware device. The individual networks are connected to the network segment according to the defined topologies like bus, star, ring. There can be different types of interfaces like user interface, hardware interface, software interface. Also a software will communicate with the hardware or any user through an interface only. They are used to control any filtrations required , manages time , security and provides portability.

Switches are used to connect various devices on the same network, like that in a campus or in a building. For example a switch connects the computers, printers and servers creating a network of resources sharing information among themselves or sharing the information so that they can work in coordination with each other. They are cost efficient that is they are not expensive to be used and also increases the productivity and efficiency, provides flexibility and reliability for a smaller network. On the contrary, routers are used to connect different networks together creating a possibility of interaction among the various networks that cover a huge number of resources like computers, printers to interact with each other. They are connected through the internet and share data or information or interact with each other through the internet. It actually helps to choose the correct, shortest and efficient route for the information to travel from one point to another with least time delay. Routers help top connect to the outside world in a quick, efficient, secured manner. The routers can provide the security through many ways like firewall or setting up virtual private network.   Therefore, to use switches is inexpensive for a given amount of information traffic travelling from one point to another in the network, whereas it is expensive to transfer information from one point to another using router . Therefore it is said that one should use switches wherever they can but must use routers for larger needs.