What is Router in networking? Full Explanation - CCNA

What is Router in networking?

A router is a networking device that connects multiple networks together, and forwards data packets between them. It is an essential component of any network, as it enables communication between devices on different networks, including the Internet.

A router works by reading the destination IP address of incoming data packets, and forwarding them to the appropriate network based on routing tables that it has stored. These tables contain information about the addresses of other networks that are connected to the router, as well as information about the optimal paths for forwarding data between those networks.

In addition to forwarding data packets, routers can also perform other functions, such as network address translation (NAT), firewalling, and bandwidth management. NAT is used to translate private IP addresses used on a local network to a public IP address that can be used to communicate over the Internet. Firewalling is used to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats, by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. Bandwidth management is used to optimize the use of network resources by prioritizing certain types of traffic, such as VoIP or video streaming, over other types of traffic.

Routers can be connected to other networking devices, such as switches and hubs, to create a larger network. They can also be configured using a web interface or command line interface, to adjust their settings and configure advanced features.

Types of routers

There are different types of routers:

• Wired routers: These routers connect networks using wired connections, such as Ethernet cables.
• Wireless routers: These routers connect networks using wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi.
• Core routers: These routers are used in large networks, such as the Internet backbone, to forward data between different networks.
• Edge routers: These routers are used in smaller networks, such as home networks, to connect devices to the Internet.

Routers can perform many important functions

1. Forwarding data: A router reads the destination IP address of incoming data packets, and forwards them to the appropriate network based on routing tables that it has stored. These tables contain information about the addresses of other networks that are connected to the router, as well as information about the optimal paths for forwarding data between those networks.
2. Network address translation (NAT): NAT is used to translate private IP addresses used on a local network to a public IP address that can be used to communicate over the Internet.
3. Firewalling: Firewalling is used to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats, by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules.
4. Bandwidth management: Bandwidth management is used to optimize the use of network resources by prioritizing certain types of traffic, such as VoIP or video streaming, over other types of traffic.