Routers

Routers are hardware networking devices that are used to receive, analyze and forward incoming data packets, based on their addresses, to another network. They are deployed for accessing the internet, coupling networks, or connecting branch offices to the central office with the help of a Virtual Private Network. Routers should not be confused with networking hubs, modems, and switches. They are equipped with a lot more capabilities than hubs or switches. Unlike hubs and switches which perform basic network function like transferring the data packet without doing anything with the transferred data, routers can analyze data sent over a network, change and determine how it is packaged and send it to another network or different networks.