If you have access to the Internet or to any local network, the router (otherwise the router) can become one of the main components that are connected to the computer. It is able to quickly connect your home network to an external one. This device allows all information spreading from the provider to be evenly distributed across all computers on the local network. At the same time, the router takes on an important task to ensure the safety of this process. So, what's a router?
The router is used for communication with global networks, which allows the most efficient distribution of traffic and use alternative paths between nodes of the network. Thus, the main purpose of the router is to serve alternative routes, as well as the integration of various networks.
What is a router for?
Where the router will be used depends entirely on how many ports it is equipped with. For example, it can be used in local, which will effectively manage traffic, if it is a highly segmented network. With this device, you can connect Ethernet networks with other types, and you can also connect the local network to the global one.
But that's not all about the question of what a router is. These devices not only connect networks with global or with each other. They also perform traffic management based on the network layer protocol, that is, at a level that is noticeably higher than the switch. Such control of the router is necessary if the topology of the network becomes more complicated, and also because of the increase in the number of nodes. The network organizes an excessive number of ways, which should organize the highest quality and fast delivery of certain information packets. So, if the question of what a router is, becomes more or less clear, then it's worth mentioning the topic of "routing protocols". There are two main ones: OSPF and RIP. When using the first one, not only the number of devices between nodes is taken into account, but also the network performance, as well as packet delay and other parameters. This type of protocol is used in large networks where complex routers based on powerful processors are required. When using the second, the choice of the most efficient path is carried out according to the principle of the minimum number of network devices between nodes. The configuration in this case becomes simple, and the router is loaded very poorly.
So, if the question of what a router is, everything becomes clear to you, then you can consider using it at home. Home network through a router is a combination of computers in a local network, while ensuring their access to the Internet. Typically, these devices are equipped with four ports, which allows you to connect to them 4 computers. And then the question may arise: "WiFi-router, what is it?". This type of router, except for the ports, is also equipped with antennas, which allow computers to make radio access to the network. It turns out that if you have devices with a Wi-Fi-module, you do not need to connect them to the router through a traditional network cable, it is enough to use the built-in module.
So, now you know what a router is.