The difference between router, access point and switch

All routers come with built-in Ethernet ports, but depending on the size and class of router you buy,

You may not have enough to connect all of your devices – especially in the age of smart home technology,

Which often requires wired terminals.

If you run out of Ethernet ports on your router, a switch can add more Ethernet ports to your network.

Simply connect your additional computers to the Switch, connect the Switch to your router,

All devices on the network will appear.

Note that you need a router in order to use the Switch. The Switch cannot assign IP addresses or create a network.

Like your router – it just acts as a traffic cop for incoming signals.

Additionally, there is no confusion between the Switch and the hub which looks almost identical, but works completely differently,

Instead of routing traffic between multiple devices, a hub simply takes an incoming signal.

It copies it to all devices connected to the hub, and these devices (hubs) are not common in modern home use.

Can all these features be combined into one device?

Not everyone has a separate Modem, Router and Access Point in their home these days,

You will find many of these features combined in one device.

For example, as mentioned above, most people use routers with built-in wireless,

Which combines a Router and a Wireless Access Point.

Many people even use a single device that combines a modem and a router,

Which contains Modem, Router and Access Point in one device.

These devices can save space and eliminate some wires, but some people prefer to keep these devices separate, since it allows for more options.