Router are devices that are quite common in homes and offices, but when you come to think of it, most of us don’t know the main function of a router, we just know we need it to access the internet. However, there is much more that a router does. We are going to look at the important aspects of a router and the role it plays in computing. So what is a router? A router is a networking device. The main function of the router is to forward data packets in a network between computers. They are responsible for the traffic directing on the internet. A router is a device that is used to send data packets from one network to another. The communication is based on the address of the destination network. For the router to work, it needs packets that are formatted to a routable protocol. TCP/IP is the common global protocol, also referred to as IP.
- At home – Today, in most home or small offices, a wireless router is usually used to manage internet traffic. It is usually a combination of various devices; a network switch, router, and Wi-Fi.
- In a Company – In enterprises, routers are dedicated to the forwarding of packets only, and they are much more complex and expensive compared to wireless or home routers. Routers within enterprises will have roles such as traffic loads, external line and also to determine which port to forward packets to. The packets are measured in packets per second, PPS. Large enterprise routers can handle large amounts of traffic.
In most enterprise’s or firm routers may be used to divide the LAN into subnets or subnetworks. This is usually done to create a balance within the workgroups, mainly for policy and security management. They also play a role in forwarding packets in LAN and WAN. In the internet, large-scale routers are usually used within regional and national backbones, and they are interconnected by the use of optic fibers.
The term router was not the first name for the devices; they were known as gateways. Thus the term “default gateway” is used within a network.
Cisco Routers
Cisco has been central to many technological changes and plays a huge role when it comes to networking and other related technologies. Cisco router provides enterprises to be able to create a foundation for the effective, self-defending and intelligent network. Routing technologies offered by Cisco include top-notch class security services and routing functionalities. Cisco can provide routers that are designed for high delivery and secure delivery of data, video, voice and wireless services. The services have a combination of various aspects including LAN switching, mobility, security and voice services. Most people might confuse between switches and routers, but they each have their role within a network. Switches are used to create a network while routers connect networks. A router can be used to connect computer and other devices to the internet, enabling communication. They can also be used to as a dispatcher, allowing the device to choose the best path for the communication to take place.
Specification of Routers
VPN routers – What is a VPN router? This is a type of router that is designed mainly to enable communication to take place within a network that is in a VPN environment. The main function of a VPN router is to enable the interaction of various VPN end devices to communicate with each other. The devices are usually located in separate locations. The function of the VPN router is to enabling the core packet routing and communication within the VPN. It allows for the devices to provide connectivity of the VPN to different and devices. Some of the VPN routers out there are portable and can be configured or installed in an area that has internet access.
The role of Router in WAN – The main function of a router within a WAN is to transmit packets using layer 3 addresses. This process is referred to as routing. Routing within a WAN will take place within the network layer. A router can be a LAN or WAN device, or it can act as a boundary between both. One of the roles of the router in WAN is to route the packets at layer 3, which is the same role for it in LAN. The main function of a router in WAN is to provide connection inside the WANs data-links and physical structure.
Applications of Routers
The function of internet router – When it comes to the internet, routers talk to each other. A message can travel from one point of a network to another different network across the world in less than a second. Internet routers will be able to determine where to send particular information from one computer to another. As it provided communication of packets, it also prevents packets from one network spilling over to another.
Application of Intranet router – Within an intranet, routers are the traffic cops. They make sure that the data is sent to the correct place in the most efficient manner. Within an intranet, routers have two or more physical ports, mainly, receiving ports and sending ports. Router can detect the best route to send a particular packet. If the destination is on an intranet, the packet will be sent directly to the destination computer by the router.
Voice gateways – This is also referred to as VoIP. Routers are used to offer a gateway for VoIP calls to and from. It uses IP to transmit and receive voice communications.
Advantage of Routers
The main advantage of routers is to interconnect multiple users to the Internet. To be able to connect to the internet, users will need to have a unique IP address. There are various merits of routers within a network, some of the main ones include the following:
- Routers can function on WAN and LAN.
- They limit the collision domain.
- Routers can be used to filter broadcasts.
- Routers can know the best route for packets to reach the destination.
- Routers can be used to link various medias and infrastructure.
