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Routers
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks or subnets. It manages data traffic, directing packets to the correct destinations based on Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and routing tables. Routers operate at a networking layer, sometimes called the network layer, which is layer 3 in the OSI model.
When data packets come into a router, it looks at the destination IP address and tries to match it to an IP address range or subnet defined in its routing tables. The routing tables contain information about destinations on the network and the best paths to get to those destinations. If the router finds a matching subnet in its tables, it will forward the packet through the appropriate outbound interface toward its next hop destination, usually another router that is a step closer to the ultimate destination network.
Routers also maintain and update their tables dynamically as network traffic and link states change using routing protocols.
Three Main Functions of a Router
1. Forwarding: As packets come into the router, it directs them to the best outbound interface based on the destination IP address and routing table information.
2. Routing: The router maintains routing tables that contain the best paths and metrics like hop counts to various subnets on the network. Dynamic routing protocols constantly update these tables.
3. Traffic Control: Routers can also perform traffic control functions like access control lists (ACLs), quality of service (QoS), bandwidth management, prioritization, and load balancing between paths of equal cost.
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