switches are gererally dumb, they simply switch

whereas routers are always smart (web interface normally) and can well, route e.g port forwarding

The easiest way is to just examine the network topography (what everything is plugged into) and see if you have a router. I doubt you do since the main practical difference between a router and a switch is DHCP functionality. If you have a DHCP server and a switch it should do the same thing as the routers.

no, the main function of a router is to route between two subnets and direct traffic based on port

How can I find out if it's a router or a switch? Is there anyway I can tell by just looking at them??

no.

Oh , I see. I was wondering if it would be considered unprofessional if I called up the company who set up our network and ask them for the network diagrams? I mean, it's a very small network, like I explained above. So do you think they even might have any diagrams??

Hay sonia you can find it by seeing the interfaces if it has many Rj45 ports it means it is a Switch and if its has few ports liek Aux, Console EThernet and SErial port on its back it means its a router.

Well second thing is ISA Stands for Internet and Security Accelration SErver

Zoraid.

um no thats rubbish

Do you have physical access to these hardware pieces? If so, grab the company and any model numbers you can find. Look them up online or call the appropriate companies.

Switches and routers both have Console, AUX, Serial, RJ45, etc [physical] ports. Some even have Fiber, piggy-back/daisy-chain and so on.

There is a router involved if your traffic is going outside your Local Area Network (LAN). If all you can access are the 30 machines in your room, then a router may not exist. (it still COULD exist) If you can utilize an outside resource, such as Google, then a Router is sitting somewhere.

A switch operates at Layer 2 (MAC Address), while a Router performs its operations based upon Layer 3 (IP Address).

If all machines have two network connections, things can be a tad more complex.

Good luck!

Oh, and asking the company which set-up the environment is definitely an avenue I would consider.