Router

What Is Router?

A router is a networking device that can connect 2 or more networks. Its main purpose is to enable the forwarding of information or packers. Routers will read and analyze the packets’ destination addresses, and transmit them to the specified IP address by the best route.

Figuratively speaking, its workflow can be analogized with the process of sending a courier.

For example, if a courier firm wants to send you a package from a friend, the package will not be delivered directly to your address but will need to be sorted and delivered through multiple sorting facilities before it finally reaches you. The router is like a Sort Facility, it is between different networks, but not necessarily the final address of the information received.

During packet delivery, routers will read the header of the packet first to determine the next address of the transmitted message. Then it will use the routing table internally, like looking at a map, to find the shortest or most light route and direct packets efficiently and accurately to the destination.

The Router Structure and Main Types

Structure of Router

・POWER connector: The connector that can connect to the power supply.

・RESET button: This button can restore the factory settings of the router.

・WAN: This interface with a network cable and home broadband modem (or with the switch) to connect.

・LAN1~4: These interfaces use a network cable to connect the computer to the router.

Main Types of Router

Routers are categorized into wired routers and wireless routers, and as the name suggests, the main distinguishing feature between them is whether they require a cable to connect to the device.

Wireless routers have a wireless coverage function, can transmit signals, and allow devices such as computers, cell phones, etc. to connect to the Wi-Fi. A wired router, on the other hand, must be connected to a computer or other device via a network cable.

However, although a wired router lacks flexibility and mobility compared to a wireless router, it is more stable because it is connected via a network cable which is not subject to signal interference or signal degradation caused by penetration. While the wireless router is indeed very convenient to use, it spreads the signal and is likely to result in network instability.