Wednesday, December 15, 2010

What is a Router


Are you interested in knowing what is a router? Read this article and all your questions regarding a router will be answered.

The Internet is the ultimate resource for any kind of information today. And a router is an important thing in the concept of Internet connection. It makes your web experience better. Despite it being so much important, many people don't exactly know what is a router for a computer or Internet. So I have made an attempt to explain everything I could, about a router in the following article.

Definition of a Router

A router is a computer networking device that facilitates the communication between two or more computers or computer networks. The router deciphers data coming to a computer through a network and directs it toward the right computer. It comes in various types depending upon what kind of connection you are using. Note that a router is not the same as the modem.

What is a Router Used For

The router works on the IP level. Every computer has a unique IP address and the router recognizes data requests based on these IP addresses. The router sends and receives IP data in the form of packets. Now these data packets have to go through thousands of routers on their way and every router saves some information about the sender router in a routing table. This is done so that the routers can control the incoming or outgoing packets.

The router connects only from computer to computer and does not have to deal with phone lines. It uses the RJ45 type of connection to connect with the computers. The prime responsibility of a router is to pass on signals from computer to computer so it does not convert any signals. It is also used as a means of security as firewalls are implemented through routers. Also, a router is not mandatory for an Internet connection. But it is mandatory for establishing wireless Internet access. Another important use of routers is for connecting two or more computers to a single Internet connection.

Types of Routers

Understanding the types of routers is an important part in understanding what is a router because choosing the best router for your purpose depends upon that. Actually there are many different types of routers but here I am mentioning only the major types of routers, namely the broadband router and the wireless router.

Broadband Router
There are several things for which the router is used. For example, if you want to use a VOIP service, that is Voice over Internet Protocol, you will require a broadband router. This router will let your Internet service communicate to your phone line thus letting you make calls through the Internet but from phone to phone. If you are thinking of buying a broadband router for VOIP read about router reviews to make an informed decision.

Wireless Router
If you have an Internet connection which you want to use all over the house you will need a wireless router. This way you will be able to use your Internet connection all over the house and you will be able to connect multiple computers to each other or to the Internet connection. But these wireless signals can spread across a long distance and a good hacker can break into your connection so make sure you are using a quality anti-spyware software to secure your data. Also read how does a wireless router work.

Many people tend to confuse a modem with a router but they are completely different devices used for completely different purposes. One important difference between them is that a modem is essential for an Internet connection whereas the router is not. There are other differences between them which you can check out in this article on router vs modem. I hope the above article on what is a router has provided you with some good information.

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