Thursday, October 14, 2010

How router works?

A router is a networking element that controls Internet and LAN traffic, shares the available bandwidth between multiple connected computers, filters packets, acts as a hardware firewall based on its configuration, network gateway, NAT server and wireless Access Point .A wireless router is essentially a bunch of network cards connected internally by an intelligent switch that directs the incoming/outgoing traffic between them.
A hardware router functions by comparing IP addresses with written rules and directs traffic packages to destination IP addresses. All Internet connections we initiate between two points are passing through multiple routers on their way to reach final point, and all routers are filtering the packages according to established rules and then pointing packet in the right direction. If a package does not meet criteria it can be deleted, therefore never reaching its destination.
A network router adds a new layer of security, better than most software security solutions you have installed on your system. It's also faster at filtering traffic and requires less resource than a software level of security to do its job. Most routers can be firmware upgraded to add new functions and encryption protocols, repair bugs, but this depends on the manufacturer, it's not a rule.
Ethernet (Local Area Network) network packets can't usually pass through a router, and that implies you can't share files and folders between computers located on both sides of a router, but there are a few workarounds like VPN tunnels, remote desktop connection software, or routers configured as a bridge between two networks.
Wireless routers have gained popularity in the recent years as they allow one to connect to any network remotely from anywhere. Moreover, you need not worry about the messy cables and wires which are connected to wired networks. The installation of wired networks can be a costly and time consuming process, for which you would need to make holes in the walls for the connection to be transferred from one room or floor to another room or floor. Wireless routers prevent all such issues. They are nowadays installed at airports, malls, large departmental stores, railway stations etc. They are many companies that manufacture wireless routers which are becoming more reliable due to the benefits they provide.

Wireless routers are considered to be the heart of wireless networks. They function in the same way as a cordless phone base station. A wireless router is a hardware device which carries out the functions of an access point as well as the router itself. The main aim of the access point is to connect computers in the facility to one another and then connect them all to the Internet. It helps in sharing a single Internet connection with many computers without a need to pay extra as Internet subscription fees for each individual user. The normal range of the wireless signal is 100 feet within which the users can use the Internet.


Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/what-is-router-and-how-it-works-1310934.html#ixzz12KRNwwwn
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