What is a router? Definition, types, and uses
5 min read
A router is one of the most important devices in the internet ecosystem. When you access the internet at home, work, or school, you’re connecting to the network using a local router. Many people use routers as part of their day-to-day life but may have never considered exactly what this hardware does. Let’s break down what a router is, how it works, and how to use it.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is a router?
A router is a networking device that connects users to the internet or a local intranet. The router sends information in data packets through the networks, helping devices communicate with each other. A router also serves as a way for multiple devices to use the same internet connection simultaneously.
How do routers work?
In simple terms, a router sends information to and from an internet-connected device. It does this by sending data packets to the correct IP address. Most routers pass data packets through a local area network (LAN), which consists of connected devices in a relatively small area. Some routers use a wide area network, or WAN, instead to pass the data to the internet.
Say you’re using a device connected to the internet and you type a URL into your browser. Your device will send a data packet containing this request to the router. The router will then forward this request to a domain name system (DNS) server to obtain the correct IP address for the server containing that website. Once the IP address is resolved, the router sends the request to the server. The server will then send a data packet back to the router, which forwards this packet to your device, allowing you to access the website.
Common types of routers
Several different types of routers are available for different types of networks. Let’s break down some of the most common types of routers and the purpose they serve.
Wireless router
Wireless routers, also known as Wi-Fi routers, are often used in homes and small businesses. They have antennas that pick up and send information, creating a wireless LAN for sharing information.
Wired routers
A wired router works similarly to a Wi-Fi router but uses wired Ethernet cables instead of an antenna to connect to devices. This type of router has multiple ports to connect to other devices. To use the internet via a wired router, you’ll need to connect a cable to a modem and then link your devices to the router.
One of the biggest benefits of using a wired router is faster internet speeds. Since your device is connected directly to the router using hardware, you’ll get a very strong connection. This feature can be helpful for high-bandwidth activities like gaming. However, using a wired router means you won’t be able to move around with your device and will be limited to the length of your cables.
Core router
A core router is a high-speed, high-capacity router. These routers are often used in large-scale networks, like office buildings or other spaces with high volumes of web traffic. They transmit huge volumes of data at high speeds and often use strict cybersecurity protocols to keep this data safe.
Core routers sit at the center of very large WANs. The network is broken down into sections, each with its edge router.
Edge router
Edge routers are used in conjunction with core routers on a large network. In this scenario, the network is segmented, with each section corresponding to a specific department or location.
Each network segment has its edge router, and web traffic is processed through the edge router before going through the core router. This approach is very effective for routing large volumes of data without compromising speed or performance.
Distribution router
Organizations with particularly large networks often use core routers, edge routers, and distribution routers. Distribution routers are a third layer of routers that send information between an edge router and its end users.
Distribution routers are often used in hierarchical networks where traffic needs to be filtered and prioritized. These routers find the most efficient way to move data within a network, handling complex requests in a way that prevents the network from slowing down or becoming overloaded.
Access router
Some large networks have multiple internet access points. For example, a university might have different access points for each building in the network. These access points are sometimes referred to as “access routers.” However, they are not actually routers but devices that expand the range of the network.
VPN router
A VPN router is a router with a built-in virtual private network. Connecting to a VPN changes your IP address and encrypts your web traffic by routing it through a remote server. With this type of router, you can connect multiple devices to the VPN at the same time. Using a VPN router helps protect your web traffic from prying eyes. Having a VPN router is particularly helpful if you care about your privacy and data security online.
Virtual router
A virtual router is a software application installed on a server that functions like a router. Businesses that have invested heavily in cloud computing will often use virtual routers when a large-scale WAN is impractical.
What is a router used for?
Routers are used for internet connectivity in a variety of scenarios to create:
- A LAN at home for personal use.
- A LAN or WAN for employee and customer use in public-facing businesses.
- A large-scale WAN for corporations or other large organizations.
- A secure network using add-on tools like firewalls and VPNs.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
A router and a modem are both tools used in a digital network. Although they are often confused with one another, they perform different functions in the network.
A modem is a device that is hardwired to the internet, bringing service to your home or business. These devices typically need to be installed by your internet service provider.
A router connects your modem to bring the internet to various devices, such as your computer, smartphone, tablet, or printer. The router also controls the flow of information from these devices to the internet. Once you have a modem set up in your home or business, you can install the router on your own.
Some modern routers come with built-in modems, combining the functionality of both devices in one piece of hardware. These devices are called gateways or gateway routers.