Network routers are essential devices in computer networking that serve as the central point of between different networks. They operate at the (Layer 3) of the TCP/IP networking model and are responsible for routing data packets between networks based on the source and destination of the packet, enabling data to travel between devices on different subnets or even across the internet. Home network routers are usually combined devices that also include a and an .
Routers are responsible for forwarding data packets between networks. When a router receives a packet, it examines the destination and makes routing decisions to determine the most efficient path for the packet to reach its destination. Routing is the core function of a router. Routers use routing tables and algorithms to determine the best path for data packets to travel. They maintain these , which contain information about network destinations and associated next-hop routers or interfaces. Routers segment larger networks into smaller , which is crucial for optimizing network performance, enhancing security, and simplifying network management.
A routing table contains information about network and is used to determine the best path for forwarding data packets from the source to the destination within a network. When a router receives a data packet from a connected device, it examines the packet's destination . The router looks up the destination IP address in its routing table and searches for the most specific matching route, known as the longest , in the table. If a matching route is found, the router determines the next hop or gateway to which the data packet should be sent, as well as the outgoing . If no specific matching route is found, the router may use a default route to send the packet to a default .
Keywords
routes | communication | subnets | prefix match | firewall | ip address | network layer | ip address | ip address | gateway | routing tables | network interface | ethernet switch |
