A switch connects devices such as a desktop, laptop, and access point to the router. Unlike routers, which operate at the network layer, switches work at the data link layer, focusing on forwarding data to specific devices rather than routing packets between networks. Switches. The switch is the backbone of the wired network. APs always require: APs do not route traffic or manage network addressing—they simply provide wireless access. Why use a WAP to set up a wireless network? Why use. Both access points and switches play essential roles in networks, but access points are necessary for wireless connectivity, while switches handle wired connections. The difference between an Access Point and a Switch is that the access point is a data transfer medium that uses a signal to send and.