Final answer:
A router can route between different networks whereas a layer 2 switch cannot, as routers operate at the Network layer, which is Layer 3 of the OSI model, and make routing decisions based on IP addresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A router can route between different networks whereas a layer 2 switch is unable to do this. Routers operate at Layer 3, which is the Network layer of the OSI model, and make decisions to direct data from one network to another based on IP addresses. In contrast, a Layer 2 switch operates at the Data Link layer and primarily switches data within the same network, using MAC addresses to forward data to the correct device.
Routers are equipped to understand and interpret Layer 3 IP addresses and perform the necessary routing functions to move packets between networks. This process includes encapsulating and addressing packets for travel through an interconnected network, such as forwarding packets from a local area network (LAN) to the Internet. On the other hand, Layer 2 switches lack the capability to interpret IP addresses and are not designed to route traffic between separate networks.