Router is a device which makes communication possible between two or more different networks present in different geographical locations.

Switch is a device which makes communication possible between same networks present in a same geographical locations.

Cisco divided the Router/Switch into 3 Layers

Access Layer Router

Distribution Layer Router

Core Layer Router

Routers which are used by the Small Organization and are also known as Desktop or Company Layer Routers.

Router Series : 800, 1000, 1600, 1700, 2500 Switch Series : 1200, 1900

Cisco 800

Cisco 1700

Cisco 1760

Routers which are used by the ISPs and are also known as ISP Layer Routers

Router Series : 2600, 3200, 3600, 3700,2800

Switch Series : 2950,3550,3650,3750.

Cisco 3600

Cisco 3700

Cisco 2600XM/2691

Routers which are used by the Global ISPs and are also known as Backbone Routers

Router Series : 6400, 7200, 7300, 7400, 7500, 7600,

10000, 12000.

Switch Series : 4509 , 6509(Multi-Layer Switch)

Cisco 7000

AUI Attachment Unit Interface E0

Serial Ports S0 and S1

Power Switch

Console Con 0

Auxiliary Aux 0

Power Supply