Networking & Internet
Router
Definition
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. 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 an internetwork until it reaches its destination node.
Why It Matters
Routers are the devices that connect different networks together. They are essential for the internet to function, as they make decisions about the best path for data to travel from its source to its destination.
Contextual Example
Your home Wi-Fi router connects your local home network (your computers, phones, etc.) to your Internet Service Provider's network, allowing you to access the global internet.
Common Misunderstandings
- A router is different from a switch. A router connects different networks, while a switch connects devices within the same network.
- Many home "routers" are actually combination devices that include a router, a switch, and a wireless access point.