A router is a computer networking device that forwards data packets across an internetwork toward their destinations, through a process known as routing. Routing occurs at layer 3 (the Network layer e.g. IP) of the OSI seven-layer protocol stack.

Function

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A router acts as a junction between two or more networks to transfer data packets among them. A router is different from a switch. A switch connects devices to form a Local area network (LAN). One easy illustration for the different functions of routers and switches is to think of switches as neighborhood streets, and the router as the intersections with the street signs. Each house on the street has an address within a range on the block. In the same way, a switch connects various devices each with their own IP address(es) on a LAN. However, the switch knows nothing about IP addresses except its own management address. Routers connect networks together the way that on-ramps or major intersections connect streets to both highways and freeways, etc. The street signs at the intersection (routing table) show which way the packets need to flow.

So for example, a router at home connects the Internet Service Provider's (ISP) network (usually on an Internet address) together with the LAN in the home (typically using a range of private IP addresses, see network address translation) and a single broadcast domain. The switch connects devices together to form the LAN. Sometimes the switch and the router are combined together in one single package sold as a multiple port router.

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Kids use to not want switches for xmas because it meant you had been bad. Now computer kids beg for switches (and routers) at xmas.
Imnotclarkkent (eddie the carboman) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:10:13 -0000
Kids use to not want switches for xmas because it meant you had been bad. Now computer kids beg for switches (and routers) at xmas.
Netgear routers are the best routers, the best in my household at least! Belkin suck in my house.
planetblix (planetblix) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:52:10 -0000
Netgear routers are the best routers, the best in my household at least! Belkin suck in my house.
AT&T won't give me the login information for our router. Why? Because AT&T employs idiots: all AT&T routers have the same username and pw.
jot8686 (Jeremy) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:50:42 -0000
AT&T won't give me the login information for our router. Why? Because AT&T employs idiots: all AT&T routers have the same username and pw.
Kids used to not want switches for xmas because it meant you had been bad. Now computer kids beg for switches (and routers) at xmas.
Imnotclarkkent (eddie the carboman) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:43:18 -0000
Kids used to not want switches for xmas because it meant you had been bad. Now computer kids beg for switches (and routers) at xmas.
@DTS45 I just use an Ethernet cable...My routers in my room :P
jojofluffernttr (Jeremy Smith) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:39:42 -0000
@DTS45 I just use an Ethernet cable...My routers in my room :P
This is a helpful "article" I wrote a while back for the technically challenged about wireless routers - http://bit.ly/6WrFck
gosutotech (Ben Buie) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:11:50 -0000
This is a helpful "article" I wrote a while back for the technically challenged about wireless routers - http://bit.ly/6WrFck

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