Overview
Routers are the 'traffic police' of the internet. They connect different networks (e.g., your home LAN to the ISP's WAN) and use routing tables to determine the best path for data packets.
Key Functions
- Path Determination: Using protocols like OSPF or BGP to find the best route.
- Packet Forwarding: Moving packets from an input interface to the correct output interface.
- NAT: Translating between private and public IP addresses.
- Firewalling: Many modern routers include basic security features.
Types
- Core Routers: High-capacity routers used by ISPs.
- Edge Routers: Connect a network to external networks.
- Wireless Routers: Combine a router, switch, and access point.