How to Understand Routers

A router makes the entire Internet system work as the hardware that transmits information on the Internet. Sometimes one large computer performs as a router to create a network of computers. This effectively connects every computer within this network to every other computer. This computer network can be in close physical proximity or continents apart. The main duties of a router are to direct traffic and transmit data packets to designated locations within the Internet network.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Using a router allows data to be sent and received quickly. A router enables you to access the Internet and download a web page, send or receive an email or make a purchase online.

2. Sending an email is something that many people do every day. When an email is sent, the router receives this sent email and sends it on to the designated recipient. This is because routers communicate with other routers to transfer information.

3. Using data contained in a configuration table, a router determines how to direct web traffic and emails. A configuration table is basically just information that includes addresses, priority orders and traffic rules. These configuration tables vary with the sizes of individual routers and networks. Using this data, the router directs the information to the designated locations.

4. Working together, the Internet is made up of many smaller networks that combine to make one large network. Data packets of information are sent between these networks. Data packets travel through packet-switching networks. Often these data packets must be condensed into smaller packets before they can be sent.
   
   Each packet receives a wrapper around it to make sure that the information stays together and reaches the designated location together. These wrappers contain the addresses of the sender and receiver and the packet's intended destination. This information is utilized by the router to route information.