A specialized networking device connected to two or more networks running software that allows the router to move data from one network to another. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Creative Crop/Photodisc/Getty Images. Definition: Routers are small physical devices that join multiple networks together. Technically, a router is a Layer 3 gateway device, meaning that it connects two or more networks and that the router operates at the network layer of the OSI model. Home networks typically use a wireless or wired Internet Protocol (IP) router, IP being the most common OSI network layer protocol. An IP router such as a DSL or cable modem broadband router joins the home's local area network (LAN) to the wide-area network (WAN) of the Internet. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. A data packet is typically forwarded from one router to another through the networks that constitute the internetwork until it reaches its destination node. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks (as opposed to a network switch, which connects data lines from one single network). When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its ultimate destination Router: This is the central device of a home network into which you can plug one end of a network cable. The other end of the cable goes into a networking device that has a network port. If you want to add more network devices to a router, you'll need more cables and more ports on the router.  Before we delve into the world of routers, you need to understand what a broadband connection is and how it works. According to Dictionary.com, broadband is a high-speed, high-capacity transmission medium that can carry signals from multiple independent network carriers. Wireless routers connect to your modem and create a wireless signal in your home or office. So, any computer within range can connect to your wireless router and use your broadband Internet for free. The only way to keep anyone from connecting to your system is to secure your router. A router is a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect, and are the critical device that keeps data flowing between networks and keeps the networks connected to the Internet.  In order for devices on the network to connect to the Internet, the router must be connected to a modem. Therefore, most routers have a specific Ethernet port that is designed to connect to the Ethernet port of a cable or DSL modem. A modem is a device that provides access to the Internet (see below).  A router (including a wireless router) is a specialized networking device connected to two or more networks running software that allows the router to move data from one network to another. Router functions in an Internet protocol based network operate at the network layer (OSI Model's layer 3).  In the above example of a home network, there are two different types of a router: the router and the wireless router. In this example, the router allows all the computers and other network devices to access the Internet. The wireless router allows a laptop to wirelessly connect to the home network and access the Internet as well. Below are some additional examples of different types of routers used in a large network Routers-DSL and Cable Modem Network Routers. A network router joins two computer networks together. DSL and cable modem routers are often used in homes and small businesses, while other types of network routers are also used on the Internet. Home network routers are set up to use a default IP address when first powered on. Unless it is changed, other devices on the home network recognize Belkin routers by this address, and network administrators also use this number to connect to and administer the router.
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/routers/g/bldef_router.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router_(computing) http://www.cnet.com/how-to/home-networking-explained-part-1-heres-the-url-for-you/ http://whatismyipaddress.com/router http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/router.asp http://pc.net/helpcenter/answers/difference_between_router_and_modem http://www.inetdaemon.com/tutorials/internet/ip/routing/define_router.shtml http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/router.htm http://compnetworking.about.com/od/routers/
what is a network router