Home > Operating System > Computer Network Management > Router

Router

A router can be a “ gateway” in TCP/IP connection i.e., in internet connection. In communication networks, a router is a device that examines the destination address of a message or packet and selects the most effective route for its transmission. It is used in complex, large networks where there are many path ways between users.

Thus job of the router is to know where packets of information are headed, to make sure they are addressed correctly, and to send them on their way by the most efficient route possible.

The router functions by choosing –

• the best path
• fastest path available
• the least costly path
• the currently available path.

Routers are needed to connect network with protocols that function insimilar ways. Whereas when the networks to be connected are using completely different protocols from each other, then a device that interprets and translates the different protocols are used in two distinct networks and this device is called as “gateway”

Routers are the basic mechanism in internet working, it consists of hardware and software. This uses logical and physical addressing to connect two or more logically separate networks. Here data is grouped into packets or blocks of data. Each packet has a physical device address and alogical network address. This logical network address allows routers to calculate the optional path accurately and efficiently to a work station or computer.

Brouter

A brouter is router that can also bridge, i.e., it selectively determines the appropriate segment to pass a signal. A Brouter first tries to deliver a packet based on network protocol information. This is an affordable option having both a router and a bridge. It also makes network management simpler.

More Information
Laptop Parts
Laptop OS
Booting Process
OS Installation
Motherboard
Computer Performance
Multiprocessing
Computer Bus
Hard Disk
Floppy Disk
Compact Disc
Keyboard
Hardware Drivers
BIOS
Mouse
PC Remote Control Softwares
Project Management
Shopping Cart
Thin Client Software

Related Information
RAID Controller
DLT Tape Drive
Data Backup Software
Financial Planning
Business Process Management