What is Router: Definition and 49 Discussions

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. Data sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of data packets. A packet is typically forwarded from one router to another router through the networks that constitute an internetwork (e.g. the Internet) until it reaches its destination node.A router is connected to two or more data lines from different IP networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the network address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey.
The most familiar type of IP routers are home and small office routers that simply forward IP packets between the home computers and the Internet. More sophisticated routers, such as enterprise routers, connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the Internet backbone.

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  1. S

    [ Raspberry Pi or Android ] --> WiFi Router --> USB printer

    A couple of years ago, I connected a USB printer to the USB socket on my broadband router. After a lot of trial and error (of which I remember no details) I was able to print from my windows laptop. Here are the port settings that currently work from the laptop: 1) Based on the above...
  2. Wrichik Basu

    Configuring WiFi router with PPPoE and static IP

    Before I start, I must say that I haven't yet bought the Wi-Fi router. We have a broadband connection (no modem, just an RJ45 cable directly into the PC). I want to buy this Wi-Fi router and use the broadband connection to power it. Our ISP provides us a static IP, as well as a username and a...
  3. F

    Wireless Router, WiFi, and a laser cutter

    Hello, I have a laser cutter which can connect to a wireless router via an ethernet cable. My laptop accesses the internet through the wifi provided in the office (I don't have access to a broadband modem). Is it possible to simultaneously be connected to the internet, via wifi, and at the...
  4. S

    What is your favourite home router brand?

    I am from Germany and have tried these router brands: - AVM - Telekom - TP-Link - Asus I like AVM the most because it has a clean web interface with many functions and detailed information. I wonder what router brands there are in your countries and what your favorite router brands are? It...
  5. F

    Networking, subnetting and router IP

    So, I understand how to subnet a network and how IP address is calculated. But I am having problems with the router IP. Can anyone help me with the total scenario. Like I have an IP, suppose with subnet mask 255.255.255.0... Now I'm going to make subnet mask upto 26 bit. Now help me with the IP...
  6. kos

    What will happen if I wrap the router in metalic foil

    What is going to happen if I enclose the whole router with the antenna in a metalic ( aluminium ) foil as it emits signal ? Don't ask me why ? Just as a crazy experiment. It looks like a microwave oven case but I'm not absouloutly sure ?
  7. D

    Will a router motor have permanent magnets?

    Settle a bet: A reasonable sized (believe it is 2HP) router will not have any permanent magnets inside it upon tear-down. Instead, it uses an electromagnet. Correct?
  8. dkotschessaa

    Stress testing a wireless router

    This is not exactly engineering. Please move where appropriate if it's not. I am testing some 4G netcomm wireless routers to see how much traffic they can handle in certain situations. We are trying to find ways to "impede" them. They have two antennae that can be unscrewed. Removing both...
  9. kyphysics

    Never Changed My Router Password - Got Attacked?

    I know you're supposed to change your router password from the default one you get when you sign up for Verizon Fios. I didn't. This was four months ago. The past three weeks my IPAD has been operating very slowly and can't seem to play media very well (either doesn't load or takes...
  10. F

    Blocking Certain IP address on the router....

    Dear Forum, I would like to either block or direct a certain URL request to a specific IP address. I looked into my router configuration but I found no place where I can do either of those two tasks. I have a simple Netgear router... thanks, fog37
  11. fresh_42

    Router Pronunciation: A Poll on the Correct Way to Say It

    This is a questions that bothers me for several decades. I even asked native English speakers, but they had no definite answer. I guess that both is correct to some extent. Therefore this little poll: How do you pronounce router?
  12. M

    Which direction for maximum signal on 3 antenna router?

    Purchased a Netgear R7000 Nighthawk router that has 3 antennas mounted on the back. Is the maximum signal strength in the direction formed by the plane of the 3 antennas (left to right) or perpendicular to that plane (front to back)?
  13. B

    Does a router tells a device to close a TCP connection?

    Does a router tells a slave device to close a TCP connection, if the router loses connect from the master device ? So, I have a Qterm-g72 HMI and I am trying to connect it to a Moxa over TCP Modbus. This only works if a Computer or a router is between the Moxa and the HMI. I am trying to found...
  14. S

    Building a Router from Scratch: A Beginner's Guide

    Hi, I want to build a router from scratch Does anyone have a good guide to help me get started ? Thanks,
  15. Y

    Connect my Canon MX922 printer to my new wireless router

    I just bought the Netgear AC1200 router, I followed the instruction of typing "routerlogin.net" in the address bar, logged in and created my password. and I got both my laptop connected wirelessly to the router. My issue is setting up the wireless connection to the Cannon MX922 all in one...
  16. AdityaDev

    Understanding the Function of Switches: A Guide to LAN Traffic Management

    In my computer textbook, on one page, its given that switches can't stop traffic from traveling to all other LAN segments. On the next page, it says that switches send traffic only to appropriate connections. On a YouTube video, it says both will happen. First it send the packets to all...
  17. Adrian B

    Battery for power -- cable modem and wifi router during outage

    Let me start by saying that the point of this question is to figure out if I can do this with items on hand instead of buying a UPS. I have a cable modem and wireless router which require 12V 750mA and 12V 1000mA respectively. In the event of a power outage, I'd like to be able to manually...
  18. 22990atinesh

    What can be the answer for this question -- Datapath through 3 routers

    Homework Statement An IP machine Q has a path to another IP machine H via three IP routers R1, R2, and R3. Q—R1—R2—R3—H H acts as an HTTP server, and Q connects to H via HTTP and downloads a file. Session layer encryption is used, with DES as the shared key encryption protocol. Consider the...
  19. P

    When do I use a switch, and when do I use a router?

    Sorry for the stupid question but I already forgot or a bit confused. When do I use a switch, and when do I use a router? Thanks!
  20. S

    Does a TCP packet change source ip when it goes through your router?

    I was wondering, every time I send or receive a TCP packet with an IP header, my local ip, ie. 192.168.1.x is displayed as the source or destination, respectively. Does this get changed as soon as the packet passes through my router, so the source/destination is listed as my external IP address?
  21. N

    Trying to use an old router as a wireless bridge

    I recently rearranged my house, and now the most convenient place to set up my computer is unfortunately inconvenient to run a wire to. Fortunately, I have an old router lying around (Linksys E2500), that I figured I could use as a bridge, and while it wouldn't be as fast as connecting a wire...
  22. A

    Connecting Different Adapters to Router: 2A vs 0.7A

    My router has an adapter with the output: +12V 0.7A And it does not work anymore. I have another adapter which has the output: +12V 2A. Is it okay to connect this adapter to the router? What does 2A and 0.7A indicate? Should the adapters have the same output impedance?
  23. Q

    IP Router & IP Forwarding Table

    Homework Statement Consider an IP Router with four link interfaces numbered 0 to 3. Packets are to be forwarded according to the table: http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/4844/iproutertable.jpg Write down an IP forwarding table with ve entries that forwards packets to the correct...
  24. C

    Router, bridge, or repeater for long distance wireless?

    Greetings, What will give the best connection over very long distances, miles? A router, ethernet bridge, or repeater? And why? I am going to use a dish antennas and transmit at 1 watt. Thanks
  25. N

    Troubleshooting Unable to Access Router for Security Setup

    Before I go to the serious computer forums perhaps someone on here can help me out. I have a linksys wireless router and I need to enable security and password protection on it as the signal probably reaches several of my neighbors. I've tried putting the code listed for that model as the...
  26. StevieTNZ

    USB port on router - what be attached?

    Could I attach a USB port hub to the USB port on a router, and then attach two USB devices to the hub? Would that work, i.e. share the printer, and share a storage device?
  27. D

    Router Question: Separating a computer from a network

    I want to separate my computer from the rest of the network in my home. I'm really scared about getting viruses through the home network because of other people in my family. I want a computer to use that I know will be safe for dealing with money online. Any ideas?
  28. D

    What is the largerst CNC router

    What is the largerst CNC router... I know that this has to exist... a router that is say 40' x 100' or so... Something that you could bring a sheet of fabric in, pull a vacuum under it and go along and cut out a template that was drawn in a CAD CAM program... I wonder if sail makers have these...
  29. J

    Internet with router, please read

    Okay, here's the deal. I don't have internet on my computer, so I am borrowing my friend's "Rogers mobile internet stick". I have a router from Rogers, even though I don't have internet. The thing is, I need the router to send out a signal so that anything that has wi-fi in my house can pick up...
  30. G

    Building a Precision CNC Router

    I am going to build a CNC router. Although that's misleading since I don't nessecarily plan on actually using a router as the main tool. I want to see how precise I can get and what kind of quality I can achieve without spending lots of money. So I have some basic questions. The plans I've seen...
  31. M

    No dial tone when Dish Satellite router installed

    I recently installed a router for Dish Satellite and it seems to have caused a failure to telephone lines. The DSL line stills works I have outside phone connection from the telephone connection point but no phones work on the inside of the house. I am using a hand telephone that is working. I...
  32. A

    Switch vs Router: What's the Difference?

    What is the basic difference between a switch and a router ? !
  33. J

    Budget PCB Router: Find One Under $1,000

    Do any of you guys have a PCB router? Do you know of one for less than $1,000?
  34. D

    Router and I would ike to set up NAT

    I have a router and I would ike to set up NAT, I am not sure if this can be done with only a home use network ISP-Router-mycomputer :biggrin: :biggrin: I sorry my mouth is bigger than others' Thank you
  35. W

    How to Block a Wireless Router Signal: Help Needed

    i am new , so i am not sure if this is the rite place. my Question i want to show my students how to block the signal coming from a wireless router. Pl help!? i have tried wrapping the antenna with aluminium foil and putting the whole modem in an aluminium container, none of...
  36. Z

    Setting Up a Router: Do I Need to Leave My Firewall Off?

    I bought a netgear router and want to set up a wireless connection, but it says I have to turn off my firewall to set it up. Do I only need to turn of the firewall until it is set up or does it constantly need to be off to have the internet connection.
  37. N

    How does my microwave oven affect a wireless router?

    My daughter claims that when she runs our microwave oven, it disables her laptop computer connection to our wireless router. What might cause that? Will we be sterlizied?? (just joking...I think!) One possibility is that when the microwave oven draws power sparking from a loose 120 wall plug...
  38. J

    Calculating Force for Woodworking Router Projects

    hi, I have this problem that I have no idea how to solve, I’m trying to do some calculations for a project, so, does anyone have any ideas what calculations you might use to work out what force is required to push a wood working router through material, I want to apply these calculations to many...
  39. R

    What is a Suitable Wireless Router for a Growing Office?

    Hey kids! I've come to PF seeking a recomendation for a wireless router. I moonlight and do IT work when I can. This office originally had a lot fewer computers and worked fine using a generic Linksys wifi router. The office has grown considerable since then and with the addition of several...
  40. D

    Dimmer or router speed control as resistance heater level control

    I'm trying to figure out how to safely use a dimmer or router speed controller as an inexpensive heat level control for a (nichrome coil) resistance heater. I've read that you can use a dimmer switch as a heat control if you don't run it at more than 80 percent of its watt rating...
  41. O

    Can I Use One Wireless Router for Both My Laptop and Desktop PC?

    Simple Router question ... Hi all, I searched the internet for some clues but couldn't find anything very precise. I have a wireless router/access point attached to a phone line and it works fine. It transmits the radio signal carrying internet to my laptop and all ok. I can access the web from...
  42. H

    Find the Best Wireless Router for Your Home: No More Disconnects!

    What is a really good wireless router out now? I am hooking up my computer in my room with wireless and I really really don't want to have to put up with disconnecting every 5 minutes, weak signal,etc.
  43. A

    Weird Router Problem: Help Needed for Caribbean ISP Setup

    Hey guys; I'm experiencing a really weird problem with my router.. First, my setup: I'm living in the Caribbean so I have to use a goofy ISP. We have a PPPoE DSL connection to them. I then have a Linksys Broadband Firewall Router hooked up to the DSL box, then I have a Linksys Wireless...
  44. A

    What should I look for when shopping for a router?

    I'm planning to move my computer into another room so that means I will need a router to have internet access. My dad's computer is in the same room with mine right now and we have a cable connecting are computers so I can get Internet. What should I look for when shopping for a router. I'm...
  45. M

    Is a Router Enough Without XP's Firewall?

    I'm running Windows XP Pro w/ SP2. The so called "firewall" has slowed my broadband down considerably. I was told that if I had a router, I didn't need Window XP's "firewall". Is this true?
  46. A

    Configuring LinkSys BEFW 11S4 Wireless Router

    wireless router... i bought a new wireless router from LinkSys...model no. is BEFW 11S4...i was asked to go to http://192.168.1.1 to configure my connection...but i can't even go to http://192.168.1.1...so how can i configure my connection? Must i go to the site to configure it or i can...
  47. A

    Why is my wireless router signal so weak even though it's close by?

    Hey guys I seem to be having a problem with my wireless router. I'm using a LinkSys Wireless Router-G. This is not the brand new one with the speedbooster. I have my router in the room RIGHT next to me. I am literally 15 feet away from my router, and it is sitting on top of a piano...
  48. A

    Access computers behind a router?

    Hey guys! Is there a way to access computers behind a router? I mean.. I know I have some specific IP address that the router has, and then the router gives each of my computers an IP. Is there a way to access the computers behind the router from the internet? Thanks :)
  49. R

    Can u share files and printers on a router as well as a internet connection?

    can u share files and printers on a router as well as a internet connection?
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