路由器：
路由器是网络中的连接设备。它用于选择数据包到达目的地的最小路径。它的主要目标是同时连接不同的网络，它在网络层工作。
三层交换机：
第 3 层交换机是作为一种技术来提高路由器性能的技术，这些路由器在公司内部网等大规模本地空间网络 (LAN) 中使用。
第 3 层交换机和路由器之间的主要区别在于用于构建单元的硬件技术。三层交换机内部的硬件融合了古代交换机和路由器的硬件，将路由器的一些软件包逻辑与硬件交换，以在某些方面提供更高的性能。第 3 层交换机通常重视但古老的路由器。专为在本地网络中使用而设计，第 3 层交换机通常无法拥有传统路由器可以永久拥有的 WAN 端口和广域网络选项。
路由器和三层交换机的区别：
| S.NO | Router | Layer 3 Switch |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The functionality of router is to connect various networks simultaneously. | The main functionality of layer3 switch is to connect various devices simultaneously. |
| 2. | It supports MPLS and VPN services. | It does not support MPLS and VPN services. |
| 3. | It’s throughput is lower than layer-3 switch. | While it provides high throughput. |
| 4. | In this, switching capacity is lower than layer-3 switch. | While it has higher switching capacity. |
| 5. | It is expensive. | It is inexpensive. |
| 6. | It has lower port density. | While it has higher port density than router. |
| 7. | Router supports edge technologies such as NAT, Tunneling, Firewall etc. | While it does not support edge technologies. |
| 8. | In router, size of routing table is bigger than layer-3 switch routing table for multiple route entries. | While it’s routing table is smaller than router. |
| 9. | In router, forwarding is performed by software. | While in this, forwarding is performed by specialized ASICs. |