What is a Router? – Work and More [2023]

Introduction

A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnets. It has two main functions managing the traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to the intended IP addresses and allowing multiple devices to share the same internet connection.

There are different routers, but most of them forward data between LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks). A LAN is a group of connected devices confined to a specific geographic area, and a LAN usually requires only one router.

How does a Router Work?

A router is an air traffic manager; the data packets are the planes flying to different airports (or networks). Just as every airplane has a unique destination and route, every package must be routed to its destination as efficiently as possible. Just like an air traffic controller ensures planes reach their destination without getting lost or interrupted along the way, a router helps straight data packets to their destination IP address.

To route packets efficiently, its uses an internal routing table, which lists routes to various destinations on the network. Its reads a packet’s header to determine where it’s going and then consults the routing table to find the most efficient route to that destination. It then forwards the box to the following network in the path.

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What is the Difference Among a Router and a Modem?

Although some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can combine a router and modem on the same device, they are not identical. Each plays a different but similarly important role in connecting networks to each other and the Internet.

It forms networks and manages the flow of data within and between those networks. While a modem connects those networks to the Internet. Modems connect to the Internet by converting signals from an ISP into a digital signal that any connected device can interpret. Only one device can connect to a modem to connect to the Internet; Alternatively, it can help distribute this signal to many devices within an existing network, allowing them all to connect to the Internet simultaneously.

What Types of Routers are there?

To connect a LAN to the Internet, a router must first communicate with a modem. Around are two methods to do this:

Wireless Router

A wireless router uses an Ethernet cable to attach to a modem. It distributes data by converting packets of binary code into radio signals and then transmits them wirelessly via antennas. WLAN routers do not set up LAN networks; Instead, they create WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) that connect multiple devices via wireless communication.

Wired Router

Like a wireless, a wired router uses an Ethernet cable to connect to a modem. It then uses separate lines to attach to one or more devices on the network, create a local area network, and connect devices on that network to the Internet.

In addition to wired and wireless routers for small LANs, many types of specialized routers perform specific functions:

Central Router

Unlike routers used in a home or small business LAN. Large corporations and businesses that transfer large data packets within their network use a central router. Core routers work in the “heart” of a network and do not communicate with external networks.

Perimeter Router

While a core router exclusively handles traffic within an extensive network. A perimeter router communicates with both core routers and external networks. Border routers reside at the “edge” of a network and use the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to send and accept data from other LANs and WANs.

Virtual Router

A virtual router is a software submission that performs the same function as a standard hardware router. You can use the Virtual Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to set up primary and backup virtual routers in case one of them fails.

Conclusion

It is a network device that transmissions data packs between computer networks. Routers perform the purpose of routing traffic over the Internet. Information sent over the Internet, such as B. a website or email, is in the form of data packets.

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