What is the key difference between a firewall and a router?

The key difference between a firewall and a router lies in their primary functions in network management and security. Firewalls are designed specifically to filter and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Their main focus is on protecting the network from unauthorized access, attacks, and various cybersecurity threats by analyzing data packets and deciding whether to allow or block them.

Routers, on the other hand, have the primary function of directing data packets between different networks. They determine the best path for data to travel to reach its destination efficiently. While routers can have some security features, like basic firewall functionalities, their main role is to manage traffic and ensure data is routed correctly rather than to enforce security measures.

This distinction highlights the roles that firewalls and routers play in a network environment, with the firewall acting as a gatekeeper and the router functioning more like a traffic manager. Understanding this difference is crucial for designing secure and efficient network infrastructures.