What are Routers in Networking?

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.

 

What Are Routers?

TRouters 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.

Purpose of Routers in Networking:

Broadly speaking, routers have three purposes to serve. First, routers make sure that data is directed to the correct destination or address. For example, routers ensure that email is sent to the correct internet provider and recipient. Second, routers are designed in such a way as to prevent data from going where it is not permitted. Third, routers put in place effective security arrangements to diminish the risks associated with viruses or other malware.

Salient Features of Routers:

  • Routers are designed to work on the third data layer which is the network layer. This ability makes it possible to communicate with different devices with help of IP addresses.
  • Customizable port configuration is another feature of routers that adds to the overall functionality of routers.
  • Routers are equipped with different types of ports like gigabit, Ethernet, and STM which help users enjoy high-speed internet connectivity.
  • They are built to route network traffic to a large networking system;
  • Data encapsulation and decapsulation can also be executed by routers. Additionally, they can screen unnecessary or unwanted interferences.
  • Routers are also helpful in implementing data storage & backup strategy because they provide data redundancy.
  • A large number of LANs and WAN networks can be connected by routers.

Applications of Routers in Networking:

Many small and large businesses use routers for accomplishing many tasks and meeting many objectives. For examples:

  • Routers are used for connecting hardware equipment with a remote location network;
  • Since routers use high-speed STM-link (Synchronous Transport Module), routers can support a very high rate of data transmission;
  • Internet Service Providers(ISPs) use routers to send data from source to destination in the form of emails, webpages, images, audio, or any video files.
  • Routers are also used by software testers for WAN communication. If two teams are working physically apart, we can use routers to connect the PCs of both teams provided that they are using WAN architecture.
  • They are deployed in wireless networks. The VPN configuration can help you set up client-server models which can be used for sharing videos, audio and other data resources.
  • Routers are used to establish operational and maintenance centers of firms. All devices situated physically apart are connected by routers on optical fibers. They also provide data redundancy for data protection.

Types of Routers:

There are multiple types of routers which are discussed below:

  1. Wireless Routers:

    Wireless routers are deployed in homes, offices, and other public places. They are equipped with antennas to receive data and create a Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN). Wireless routers receive data packets over broadband and convert the packet into radio signals. These radio signals are then picked up by electronic devices like laptops or mobile phones. You can access the internet as long as you remain within the range of the routers. The security is made sure with help of a user ID and password. The most familiar form of the wireless router is WiFi which is protected by wireless Media Access Control(MAC) address filtering and WiFi-protected access. The increasing number of devices within offices and easy connection have made wireless routers extremely popular type of routers.

  2. Wired Routers:

    These types of routers are used in small offices and homes. Wired routers connect directly to a computer through a cable. One port on the router is used to connect a modem for receiving internet and another port is connected to computers for distributing internet packets which are processed and analyzed based on their IP addresses. Ethernet Broadband Router is the most common and classic form of wired router. They can support NAT (Network Addressed Translation) technology which permits multiple devices to share a single IP address. Wired routers are deployed to create a Local Area Network(LAN). The difficulty in connecting them and the limited space of wired connection for devices has largely resulted in the replacement of wired routers with wireless ones.

  3. Edge Routers:

    As the name indicates, edge routers are placed at the edge or boundary of networks. Edge routers are responsible for distributing data packets between networks, in other words, they are designed to ensure smooth communication with other networks. They can be both wired or wireless and don’t distribute data packets within the network.

  4. Core Routers:

    Unlike edge routers that distribute data packets between networks, core routers are responsible for distributing data within a network. They are designed to support high-speed telecommunication interfaces, therefore, core routers can forward data packets at full speed and with maximum performance.

How Can Morgan Ingland LLC Help You?

Morgan Ingland LLC is a prominent value-added reseller in the USA and beyond specializing in supplying cost-effective IT hardware and ICT services. We trade in wide-ranging hardware products including networking equipment like networking switches, networking hubs, Wireless Access Points, and Wireless bridges. What’s more, our inventory can provide you with all kinds of routers, for instance, wireless routers, wired routers, edge routers, core routers, and other Network accessories. In addition, our solution architects are dedicatedly available for you for designing cost-efficient router solutions that best reflect your needs and requirements. Feel free to contact us at 415-704-8713 or email us at info@miatlantic.us 24/7 for further detail and information. We are ready to serve you day in and day out.