what is a router

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what is a router

robbotbassy1622 weeks ago

i know this might sound funny but i would wanna know can any one tell me what a router is

Topic: Application Management

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jimlynch 22 weeks ago

Here's a good article that covers all the basics of what a router is and what they are used for.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_(computing)

"A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, creating an overlay internetwork. 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 ultimate destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey. 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 gets to its destination node.[1]

The most familiar type of routers are home and small office routers that simply pass data, such as web pages and email, between the home computers and the owner's cable or DSL modem, which connects to the Internet (ISP). However more sophisticated routers range from enterprise routers, which connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the Internet backbone."

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bobbyz 22 weeks ago

Hi robbotbassy16

At it's simplest, a router acts as a data dispatcher, choosing the best path for information to travel so it's received quickly.

The most familiar type of routers are small/home office routers that simply pass data, such as web pages and email, between the home computers and say a cable or DSL modem, which connects to the Internet. More sophisticated routers range from enterprise routers, which connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the Internet backbone.

And then there is this distinction between switches and routers:

http://www.cisco.com/cisco/web/solutions/small_business/resource_center/...

Here's a good place to read through some router-related news:

http://www.networkworld.com/topics/router.html

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