The router reads the packet’s header to determine where it needs to go, then forwards the packet to the next network router in the most efficient path. Many routers also include the ability to both inform other packets about which routes to take, or forward packets to different routes for a given destination based on current conditions (such as heavier network traffic). This is commonly known as dynamic routing or adaptive routing, compared to static routing in which routes through a network are generally the same paths.
What is a network router?
Network routers have long been a cornerstone of enterprise IT infrastructure. However, as AI transforms various aspects of technology, the role of routers is evolving. This article explores the impact of AI on networking and how network routers are adapting to this intelligent future.
What is the difference between a router and a switch?
Routers are sometimes confused with switches, which also offer forwarding and routing of network traffic, but have different purposes. Routers operate at Layer 3 –the network layer – and are basically used to connect networks to other networks.
[ Related: What is a network switch, and how does it work? ]
Switches, on the other hand, typically operate at Layer 2, connecting and sorting packets to distribute traffic to devices within the LAN. Some switches can operate on Layer 3, and some routers can perform switching tasks, but in general switches operate on the LAN, and routers typically connect LANs to the Internet and other routers on wide-area networks (WAN).
What are the different types of routers?
Routers come in many different sizes, depending on the number of devices that need to be attached, or the functionality of the router. In general, a router falls into one of the following categories:
