Routers, Switches, And Hubs – Understanding Your Network Components | Jones IT

There are different types of routers but the most common ones are those that connect LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks).

How Does A Router Work In A Network?

A router can be thought of as a small computer. It has a CPU and memory that deal with the incoming and outgoing data and has software similar to the operating system in a computer. Routers work on layer 3, i.e. the network layer of the OSI model. They use routing tables or routing policies to direct incoming traffic to the appropriate destinations.

Routers serve two main functions, namely, they manage the traffic moving between networks by forwarding data to the desired IP address, and they allow multiple devices to use the same internet connection.

What Is The Difference Between Home Network Routers And Enterprise Routers?

In their simplest form such as home or small office routers, routers simply forward the data packets between the local network and the internet. Enterprise routers are more sophisticated devices that do a lot more than that. Enterprise routers are integrated service devices, which means that they provide network, application, and security services on a single device.

Home network routers have a small coverage area and limited forwarding and band capacity. Enterprise routers, on the other hand, have higher specs CPU, cache, memory, and more NAT forwarding numbers, allowing a greater number of users to connect to the device and access the internet. Enterprise routers are highly configurable and offer advanced options for managing connected devices and types of traffic.