A router and a switch are two different components of a network. The router is actually a computer that assigns the IP address to a Mac Address (network card) so that multiple MAC addresses can use the connection at the same time. The switch is a different component that reads the packets destination and sends them to the correct endpoint.
WIFI is a separate component that uses radio frequencies instead of hard wire to transmit and receive ethernet packets. As WIFI is now so prominent it’s built in but you can still purchase routers without WIFI.
Routers can do a lot of cool things like separate groups of users to share / hide resources from each other for instance creating a departmental printer that can only be used by assigned users or limiting access to the payroll computer only to the payroll department.
Everyone should look at the routers admin pages to see what can be accomplished BUT DON’T MAKE CHANGES UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AS IT’S EASY TO DOWN THE WHOLE NETWORK WITH A SINGLE SETTING!!!
