What Is a Router?

• A router is a networking device that connects different networks together.
• It routes (forwards) data packets from one network to another, ensuring the data reaches its destination.

How Does a Router Work?

1. Receives a Packet: When a data packet arrives at a router, the router checks the destination IP address.
2. Looks in Its Routing Table: It consults its routing table to decide where to forward the packet.
3. Forwards the Packet: Based on the routing table, the packet is sent to the next hop (another router or the destination network).

Key Features of a Router:

• Gateway: A router acts as a gateway between networks (e.g., between your home network and the internet).
• IP Addressing: It works at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model and relies on IP addresses.
• NAT (Network Address Translation): Converts private IPs (e.g., 192.168.1.1) to a public IP for internet access.

Example:

• If your computer sends data to a website, the router forwards it to your ISP’s network, and eventually to the website’s server.