Difference between revisions of "Router"
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[[Image:router.jpg|right|thumb]] | [[Image:router.jpg|right|thumb]] | ||
| − | A '''router''' is a computer networking device which forwards data packets at the junction of two or more networks. | + | A '''router''' is a computer [[networking]] device which [[forwards]] [[data packets]] at the junction of two or more [[networks]]. |
==Example== | ==Example== | ||
| − | For example, say a household has a series of computers connected to each other on a [[LAN]], and a single connection to the Internet through an ISP. A router can be used to connect the house's LAN with the Internet, giving each device Internet access. | + | For example, say a household has a series of computers connected to each other on a [[LAN]], and a single connection to the [[Internet]] through an [[ISP]]. A router can be used to connect the house's LAN with the Internet, giving each device Internet access. |
==Relation to other networking technologies== | ==Relation to other networking technologies== | ||
| − | * Many consumer routers also act as [[DHCP]] servers, assigning [[IP address|IP addresses]] to network devices. | + | * Many consumer routers also act as [[DHCP]] servers, assigning [[IP address|IP addresses]] to [[network devices]]. |
* Routers are often confused with [[switch|switches]], but serve very different functions on a network. See [[Network Routers Versus Switches| Routers vs. Switches]] for more information. | * Routers are often confused with [[switch|switches]], but serve very different functions on a network. See [[Network Routers Versus Switches| Routers vs. Switches]] for more information. | ||
| − | === | + | ===Visual example=== |
[[Image:routerchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | [[Image:routerchart.jpg|thumb|500px|center]] | ||
| − | ==Types | + | ==Types== |
===Wired=== | ===Wired=== | ||
{{section-stub}} | {{section-stub}} | ||
===Wireless=== | ===Wireless=== | ||
{{section-stub}} | {{section-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 17:06, 11 December 2006
A router is a computer networking device which forwards data packets at the junction of two or more networks.
Contents
Example
For example, say a household has a series of computers connected to each other on a LAN, and a single connection to the Internet through an ISP. A router can be used to connect the house's LAN with the Internet, giving each device Internet access.
Relation to other networking technologies
- Many consumer routers also act as DHCP servers, assigning IP addresses to network devices.
- Routers are often confused with switches, but serve very different functions on a network. See Routers vs. Switches for more information.
