Kayeye :
I don't have a home network set up but I do have several devices that require a wired connection to the net. I've been using the ports on the back of my wireless router but I was wondering if there would be any benefit to using a switch for the connections instead of using the router or if both serve the same function.
A router is a smarter device than a switch.
It serves as a DHCP server, and handles internal IP addresses for your devices.
192.168.1.xxx
Home routers generally have 4 ports on the back.
If you need more devices wired, this is where a switch comes into play.
So on the router, ports 1-4.
1, 2, 3 are used by devices. PC, TV, whatever
But you have 6 other things that need to be wired.
Enter the switch. An 8 port switch...one port going to the available router port, and your other 6 devices plugged into the switch ports.
The upstream router still handles all the IP addresses. The switch provides more ports.
There are a few other things it does, but that is the basics.