router vs switch

5 xp's, 1x98se wireless and one win2k running as a server.
All are plugged in to either the modem or "router".
Had problems over past couple of months wiht connection so a guy that was
helping us replaced wires and then replaced our 5 port router with a 5 post
switch.
Come to find out the cable modem was going bad.
Everything seems to be working ok now.
We're signed up for 1.5 speed but only running ~ 800-900.
Tried to read the difference in different articles but still having problem
understanding, router vs switch.

Is there that much of a difference?
Anything to change?

L.







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