What is a router?

Answer 1

A device that forwards data packets from one local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to another. Based on routing tables and routing protocols, routers read the network address in each transmitted frame and make a decision on how to send it based on the most expedient route (traffic load, line costs, speed, bad lines, etc.). Routers work at layer 3 in the protocol stack, whereas bridges and switches work at the layer 2. Routers are used to segment LANs in order to balance traffic within workgroups and to filter traffic for security purposes and policy management. Routers are also used at the edge of the network to connect remote offices. Multiprotocol routers support several protocols such as IP, IPX, AppleTalk and DECnet. Routers can only route a message that is transmitted by a routable protocol such as IP or IPX. Messages in non-routable protocols, such as NetBIOS and LAT, cannot be routed, but they can be transferred from LAN to LAN via a bridge. Because routers have to inspect the network address in the protocol, they do more processing and add more overhead than a bridge or switch, which both work at the data link (MAC) layer. Most routers are specialized computers that are optimized for communications; however, router functions can also be implemented by adding routing software to a file server. For example, the NetWare operating system includes routing software that can route from one subnetwork to another if each one is connected to its own network adapter (NIC) in the server. The major router vendors are Cisco Systems and Nortel Networks. Within an enterprise, routers serve as an internet backbone interconnecting all networks. This architecture strings several routers together via a high-speed LAN topology such as Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet. Within the global Internet, routers do all the packet switching in the backbones. Another approach within an enterprise is the collapsed backbone, which uses a single router with a high-speed backplane to connect the subnets, making network management simpler and improving performance. In older Novell terminology, a router is a network-layer bridge. Routers also used to be called "gateways." For more understanding of how the network layer 3 works within the protocol stack, see TCP/IP abc's. See layer 3 switch, route server, router cluster and routing protocol.

Answer 2

A router is a network device used to share a single internet connection with multiple computer systems. It is similar to a switch or hub, but with extra logic programmed in to give it the ability to perform Network Access Translation (NAT) and seamlessly distribute an internet connection.

A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a network device used to send a Local Area Network (LAN) connection wirelessly over a short range. It is similar to a switch or hub, but with extra hardware that lets it send and receive wireless 802.11x signals thereby eliminating the need for wires to each of the systems. It should be noted that any systems meant to connect to this network will need to be equipped with an appropriate wireless network card.

A wireless router is a router which has a built-in wireless access point.

Answer 3

A computer router is connected to two or more computer networks. By using multiple network interface cards (NIC) the computer determince what route to use. It will use routing logic to determine what NIC to use before it will send data. This computer will have several Network Interface Cards installed.

Answer 4

In networking there is a source and a destination and when both of them communicates there is transfer of packets. There are many routes to that can be taken to deliever packet from source to destination but out of all the routes the best route is to be selected, which is done by router and this process is called as routing.

Answer 5

A wireless router can eliminate the need for a cable connection for your home computers. They work by providing a wireless access point. They are great for taking laptops into different rooms of the home and are very handy for families and those living in homes with roommates and have multiple computers. The convenience of being able to take a laptop into any room of the house makes purchasing a wireless router worth the expense.

Answer 6

Router ia s device that forwards the data in packets in the network.. It is normally used in connecting a LAN or WAN

Answer 7

I have enclosed a link, down below in the related links section that i think will answer your question. It comes from wikipedia.

-Levi

Answer 8

A router will connect two different networks together.

Answer 9

A router is layer 3 device whose each port is a separate broadcast and collision domain.

router is a device that makes communication possible between two or more networks.