routers - dwilson2547/wiki_demo GitHub Wiki
- Routing is the process of forwarding data packets between different networks (e.g., your local network and the internet).
- Routers are Layer 3 (Network Layer) devices that use IP addresses to determine the best path for data to travel from source to destination.
- Packet Inspection: Routers examine the destination IP address of each packet.
- Path Determination: Using a routing table, the router decides the optimal path for the packet.
-
NAT (Network Address Translation): Routers often translate between private IP addresses (e.g.,
192.168.1.1) and public IP addresses (e.g.,203.0.113.45). - Connecting Networks: Routers link multiple networks, such as your home network and the internet.
- Inter-network Communication: Routes data between different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN).
- Traffic Management: Uses protocols like OSPF, BGP, or RIP to find the best path.
- Security: Often includes firewall features to filter traffic.
- DHCP: Assigns IP addresses to devices on the local network.
| Feature | Router | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Layer | Operates at Layer 3 (Network) | Operates at Layer 2 (Data Link) |
| Purpose | Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN) | Connects devices within the same network |
| Addressing | Uses IP addresses | Uses MAC addresses |
| Forwarding | Forwards packets based on IP routes | Forwards frames based on MAC addresses |
| Broadcast Domain | Separates broadcast domains | All ports share one broadcast domain (unless using VLANs) |
| NAT | Supports NAT for private/public IP translation | No NAT functionality |
| Example Use | Connects your home network to the internet | Connects your computer, printer, and TV at home |
- Switches efficiently handle local traffic within a single network.
- Routers enable communication between networks, such as accessing the internet or connecting to a remote office.
- Switch: If your laptop sends a file to your printer, the switch forwards the data directly to the printer within your home network.
- Router: If your laptop requests a webpage, the router forwards the request to the internet and returns the response to your laptop.
- Wireless Routers: Combine routing with Wi-Fi access.
- Enterprise Routers: Handle complex networks with advanced features like VPN, QoS, and multiple WAN links.