A router is a networking device used to connect multiple switches and their corresponding networks to build a large network. These switches and their corresponding networks may be in a single location or different locations. A router is an intelligent device and responsible for routing the data packets from source to destination over a network. It also distributes or routes the internet connection from modem to all the networking devices either wired or wireless, such as PC, Laptop, Mobile phone, tablet, etc
It mainly performs two functions;
- Creating and maintaining the local area network,
- Managing the entering & leaving data.
The router connects multiple networks and allows the networked devices & users to access the internet. It works on the network layer & routes the data packets through the shortest path across the network.
Working of a Router
Within a home or office, we have various networked devices such as PC, tablets, printers, etc., and with the router, these devices can be connected to the internet and form a network. A router first connects the modem to other devices to allow communication between these devices and the internet. Router routes/transmit the data packets with the defined IP address from one network to another or within a network. It does it by providing a local IP address to each device over the internet; it ensures the right destination so that data reach the right place rather than lost within the network. It finds out the best and fastest path and then sends data packets from that path to the devices connected within the network. It works similar to the delivery package with a defined address to reach the right recipient only.
Types of Router
There are mainly two types of the router, which are given below:
1. Wireless Router
Wireless routers are the most commonly used routers in offices and homes as they don't need any wire or cable to connect with networking devices. It provides a secure connection, and only authenticated users can access the network using the id & password. Using a wireless router, the internet can be accessed by the n number of users within the specified range.
2. Wired Router/Broadband Router
As its name suggests, it requires a wire or cable to connect to the network devices. Such routers are mostly used in schools or small offices to connect the PCs with the Ethernet cable. It also has a Wi-fi access point, and a mobile phone can be connected to it using the VOIP (Voice-over-Internet Protocol) technology. It is connected to the ADSL modems to take the transmission data from the modem and distribute it to a further network.
Advantages of Router
* The wireless routers are mostly used that enable most networking devices to connect easily at any time, without the worry of a bunch of wires.
* It can connect with the different architecture of the network, such as Ethernet cable, Wi-fi, or WLAN.
* It provides highly secure network access with password protection.
* It reduces the network traffic with the help of the collision feature.
* It provides data packets to the correct destination with the best route using the routing table and intelligence.
