A
router is a device that acts like a bridge or switch but provides
more functionality. In moving data between different network
segments, routers examine a packet header to determine the best path
for the packet to travel. A router knows the path to all of the
segments on the network by accessing information stored in the
routing table. Routers enable all users in a network to share a
single connection to the Internet or a WAN.
Use
a router to:
-
Send packets directly to a destination computer on another
networks or segment.
Routers use a more complete packet address than do bridges, for
example, to determine which router or client should next receive
each packet. Routers ensure that packets travel the most efficient
paths to their destinations. If a link between two routers fails,
the sending router can determine an alternate route to keep traffic
moving.
-
Reduce stress on the network.
Routers read addressed network packets only and pass information
only if the network address is known. Therefore, they do not pass
corrupted data. This ability to control the data passing through the
router reduces the amount of traffic between networks and enables
routers to use these links more efficiently than bridges can.
