What is a router and what are its applications, advantages, and disadvantages?
A router is in charge of organizing communication between computer networks. A router receives data packets from devices and routes them to the appropriate location. IP addresses are frequently used by routers to determine where to look for information. Routers enable your PCs to connect to the internet or download data from a server.
What is a router?
A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks. It has two basic functions: handling traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses, and allowing many devices to use the same Internet connection.
There are various types of routers, but most routers transfer data between LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). A LAN is a network of connected devices that is limited to a specified geographic area. A single router is normally required for a LAN.
A network switch transfers data packets between groups of devices on the same network, whereas a router forwards data between networks.
What are the different types of routers?
Wired routers
Wired routers typically link to modems or wide-area networks (WANs) directly via network cables. They often include a connector for connecting to modems in order to communicate with the Internet.
Wireless routers
Routers can wirelessly connect to devices that support the same wireless standards. Wireless routers may both receive and send data to and from the Internet.
How does a router work?
Consider a router to be an air traffic controller, and data packets to be airplanes flying to various airports (or networks). Each packet, like each jet, must be steered to its destination as effectively as possible. A router, like an air traffic controller, ensures that planes arrive at their destinations without getting lost or experiencing major disruptions along the way.
A router employs an internal routing table—a collection of pathways to multiple network destinations—to successfully direct packets. The router reads the header of a packet to establish its destination, then consults the routing table to determine the most efficient way to that destination. The packet is subsequently forwarded to the next network along the path.
What is the distinction between a modem and a router?
Although some Internet service providers (ISPs) integrate a router and a modem into a single device, they are not the same thing. Each plays a distinct but critical role in connecting networks to one another and to the Internet.
A router creates networks and oversees data flow within and across them, whereas a modem links those networks to the Internet. Modems establish an Internet connection by translating ISP signals into digital signals that can be interpreted by any connected device. To connect to the Internet, a single device can be plugged into a modem.
Consider this: If Bob has a router but no modem, he will be able to construct a LAN and transport data between the devices on that network. However, he will be unable to link that network to the Internet. In comparison, Alice has a modem but no router. computer, tablet, and smartphone and connect them all to the Internet at the same time using both devices.
What are the different types of routers?
To connect a LAN to the Internet, a router must first communicate with a modem. There are two approaches:
- A wireless router connects to a modem through an Ethernet connection. It distributes data by transforming binary code packets into radio waves, which are subsequently wirelessly broadcast via antenna. Wireless routers do not construct LANs; instead, they create WLANs (wireless local area networks), which connect various devices via wireless communication.
- A wired router, like a wireless router, connects to a modem via an Ethernet connection. It then connects to one or more network devices with separate connections, forming a LAN and connecting the network devices to the network.
- In addition to wireless and wired routers for small LANs, there are various specialized types of routers that serve specific functions:
- A core router, as opposed to a router used in a home or small business LAN, is used by large enterprises and businesses that send a huge volume of data packets within their network. Core routers operate at the “core” of a network and do not connect with other networks.
- Edge router: An edge router connects with both core routers and external networks, whereas a core router primarily regulates data flow within a large-scale network. Edge routers are located at the “edge” of a network and use the BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to send and receive data from other LANs and WANs.
What are some of the security challenges associated with routers?
Vulnerability exploits: All hardware-based routers include pre-installed software known as firmware that assists the router in performing its duties. Router firmware, like any other piece of software, frequently contains flaws that cyber attackers can exploit (one example), and router manufacturers offer updates to address these vulnerabilities on a regular basis. As a result, router firmware must be updated on a frequent basis. Attackers can exploit unpatched routers, allowing them to monitor data or utilize the router as part of a botnet.
DDoS assaults: Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against network infrastructure are common targets for small and large businesses. DDoS attacks at the network layer can overwhelm routers or force them to crash, resulting in a network outage. Cloud flare Magic Transit is one solution for router security.
Administration credentials: All routers include a set of administrative credentials for performing administrative duties. These credentials are set to default values, such as “admin” as the username and “admin” as the password. Attackers are aware of the popular default values for these credentials and can exploit them to obtain remote control of the router if they are not reset.
Conclusion
We have learned that a router is a hardware network device used for moving, analyzing, and receiving internet data packets within a network or network. It has more network functionalities than a hub or switch. We can keep the PC safe from an attacker because of the firewall, thanks to the router’s enabling security. It has firmware software and should be updated by the manufacturer.
