WHAT IS ROUTER
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A Router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its ultimate destination.
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A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its final destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its travel. This creates an overlay internetwork. Routers perform the "traffic directing" functions on the Internet. A data packet is typically forwarded from one router to another through the networks that constitute the internetwork until it reaches its destination point.
A router is a computer whose software and hardware are customized to move data between computer networks. They are responsible for making sure traffic between computers gets where it needs to go. They do this by choosing the shortest path between the computers using a complicated system of rules called Routing Protocols. Routers generally contain a specialized operating system, RAM, NVRAM, flash memory, and one or more processors, as well as two or more network interfaces.
The purpose of a router is to provide a central communication terminal, between the cable modem or DSL modem that connects to a local ISP, and all of the other devices connected to the local network. The term “local network” refers to the devices within range of the router itself.
Router OS are split into two parts:
Control Plane • where the router learns the best port to send data to for a specific destination.
Forwarding Plane • where the router does the work of sending data to its destination.
Types of routers used in a large network:
Bridge Router • is a networking device that serves as both a bridge and a router.
Core router • is a router in a computer network that routes data within a network, but not between networks.
Edge router • It can be a router, a routing switch, a network multiplexer, or any of a number of MAN and WAN access devices.
Virtual router • is a backup router used in a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) setup.
Wireless router • is the location of a wireless receiver that enables a user with wireless access to connect to a network or the Internet. Alternatively referred to as a base station and access point. This term can refer to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.