Difference between revisions of "Router"
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==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
| − | A [[Router]] is a ''networking device'' that plays a crucial role in connecting different computer networks. | + | 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: | ||
| + | # 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== | ==Function== | ||
| − | |||
* Routers **forward data packets** between various computer networks or sub-networks. They serve two primary purposes: | * 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. | **Traffic Management**: Routers direct data packets to their intended **IP addresses**, ensuring efficient communication between networks. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 33: | ||
* Router (computing) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_%28computing%29. | * 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. | * 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: Networking]] | [[Category: Networking]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:27, 3 February 2024
Contents
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Router Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
- Cloudflare's explanation
- Cisco's insights
