Difference between revisions of "Router"

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(Created page with "==Definition== ==Security== https://www.f-secure.com/us-en/articles/check-your-router-security ==References== Category: Glossary Category: Netwroking")
 
 
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==Definition==
 
==Definition==
 +
A [[Router]] is a ''networking device'' that plays a crucial role in connecting different computer networks.
 +
==Context==
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* Routers are like the traffic controllers of the digital world, ensuring data packets reach their destinations smoothly.
 +
* Two category of routers are:
 +
# Network routers that function between distinct networks. They may including specialized security functions.
 +
# Small office/Home office (SOHO) routers that work stuck under desks and other random places. They typically contain other functions like: [[Network Address Translation]]
 +
==Function==
 +
* Routers **forward data packets** between various computer networks or sub-networks. They serve two primary purposes:
 +
**Traffic Management**: Routers direct data packets to their intended **IP addresses**, ensuring efficient communication between networks.
 +
**Shared Internet Access**: They allow multiple devices within a network to use the same **Internet connection**.
 +
 +
==Types of Networks==
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*LAN (Local Area Network)**: A group of connected devices within a specific geographic area. A single router typically serves a LAN.
 +
*WAN (Wide Area Network)**: A large network spread across a vast geographic area. Organizations with multiple locations use LANs that connect to form a WAN. WANs often require multiple routers and switches.
 +
==How Routers Work==
 +
  - Imagine a router as an **air traffic controller** guiding data packets (like aircraft) to their destinations.
 +
  - Routers maintain an **internal routing table**, listing paths to various network destinations.
 +
  - When a packet arrives, the router reads its header, determines the destination IP address, and consults the routing table to find the most efficient path.
 +
  - It then forwards the packet to the next network on its journey.
 +
 +
==Router vs. Modem==
 +
  - **Router**: Manages data flow within and between networks. It doesn't directly connect to the Internet.
 +
  - **Modem**: Connects networks to the Internet by converting signals from an ISP into a digital format.
 +
  - Together, they ensure devices can access the Internet and communicate within local networks.
  
 
==Security==
 
==Security==
−
https://www.f-secure.com/us-en/articles/check-your-router-security
+
* [https://www.f-secure.com/us-en/articles/check-your-router-security On line check of routers]
  
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
* What is a router? | Router definition | Cloudflare. https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/what-is-a-router/.
 +
* Router (computing) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_%28computing%29.
 +
* What is a Router? - Definition and Uses - Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/what-is-a-router.html.
 +
* [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/router Router Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster]
 +
* [https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/what-is-a-router/ Cloudflare's explanation]
 +
* [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/small-business/resource-center/networking/what-is-a-router.html Cisco's insights]
  
 
[[Category: Glossary]]
 
[[Category: Glossary]]
−
[[Category: Netwroking]]
+
[[Category: Networking]]

Latest revision as of 17:27, 3 February 2024

Definition

A Router is a networking device that plays a crucial role in connecting different computer networks.

Context

  • Routers are like the traffic controllers of the digital world, ensuring data packets reach their destinations smoothly.
  • Two category of routers are:
  1. Network routers that function between distinct networks. They may including specialized security functions.
  2. Small office/Home office (SOHO) routers that work stuck under desks and other random places. They typically contain other functions like: Network Address Translation

Function

  • Routers **forward data packets** between various computer networks or sub-networks. They serve two primary purposes:
    • Traffic Management**: Routers direct data packets to their intended **IP addresses**, ensuring efficient communication between networks.
    • Shared Internet Access**: They allow multiple devices within a network to use the same **Internet connection**.

Types of Networks

  • LAN (Local Area Network)**: A group of connected devices within a specific geographic area. A single router typically serves a LAN.
  • WAN (Wide Area Network)**: A large network spread across a vast geographic area. Organizations with multiple locations use LANs that connect to form a WAN. WANs often require multiple routers and switches.

How Routers Work

  - Imagine a router as an **air traffic controller** guiding data packets (like aircraft) to their destinations.
  - Routers maintain an **internal routing table**, listing paths to various network destinations.
  - When a packet arrives, the router reads its header, determines the destination IP address, and consults the routing table to find the most efficient path.
  - It then forwards the packet to the next network on its journey.

Router vs. Modem

  - **Router**: Manages data flow within and between networks. It doesn't directly connect to the Internet.
  - **Modem**: Connects networks to the Internet by converting signals from an ISP into a digital format.
  - Together, they ensure devices can access the Internet and communicate within local networks.

Security


References

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