In the past when you referred to a router you were talking about a tool that was used to design and shape wood. The internet has changed that.
In its simplest form a router is defined as a device or setup that finds the best route between any two networks. A router is the most important part of a computer network in that it helps data get where it is supposed to be. When it is given the choice of where to make it's delivery one of the tools a router uses to decide where information should go is a configuration table. A configuration table is a collection of information, including:
- Information on which connections lead to particular groups of addresses
- Priorities for connections to be used
- Rules for handling both routine and special cases of traffic
The internet is really an unbelievable invention. Think about this. You can send an email to someone anywhere in the world and they receive your message in a matter of seconds. You can download a file or surf from web page to web page very easily today. All of this because of routers.
An easy way to understand a router is like this. You send a letter to a friend in Australia. They read it and send it back to you. This might take several days or weeks with snail mail. On the internet routers are the mailman that gets your letter to your friend and then their letter back to you.
Routers are very versatile. For example they allow two computers to receive the internet under one IP address simultaneously. An IP address is what allows your computer to connect to the internet. If you have a network of computers a router will allow them to use the Internet with the same access.
In many households today a cable modem is the router. The internet is accessed through the modem directly into a computer. If you have more than one computer you can purchase a router and connect it to the cable modem. The internet is passed through the router and delivered to the computers either through a wire or more commonly today now through wireless technology.
Wireless routers allow you to connect computers, portable computers, personal desk assistants, and printers without using wiring. Wireless routers are excellent for connecting notebook computers to the Internet and networks.
As you are running more computers on your network you may experience a slight drop in speed, but today many broadband routers are able to deliver the internet without much of a slowdown. You probably will not even notice it.
Related Articles
An Innovative New Way to Connect to the Net While you Travel
By: Kathy Steinemann | 28/03/2007 | Travel
You may have tried to reserve a hotel room recently, only to discover that they offer iBridge internet access. Huh? You know about ADSL, cable, dial-up, wireless ... but what is iBridge? Will it work with your current laptop computer?
Computer Certification: Become A Utility Player
By: Chris Bryant | 21/11/2005 | Careers
The competition is tough in the IT job market! Learn how to boost your future and current career prospects in this article from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.
Know More About Load Balancing
By: Amy Nutt | 21/12/2007 | Computers
Load balancing, by definition, is the process of spreading the amount of work that is conducted by a computer system between a number of different computer systems to increase the speed that the work is completed in. There are several different methods in which load balancing can be accomplished...
How to Choose and Use a Router
By: Chuck Lunsford | 01/05/2008 | Business
From simple grooves, moulding, edges, and wood art this tool can handle it all.
keep your router secure from hackers and unwanted intruders
By: Preston Terrell | 03/07/2006 | Networks
Keep the bad guys out of your network. This starts with securing your router from unathorised access. This article will cover some required steps to keep your router secure.
The Home Workshop And The Wood Router
By: Johan Nickson | 25/12/2007 | Art and Entertainment
The power tool most often used in woodwork today is perhaps the router. The humble router is the mainstay of many woodworkers' workshops and along with the bandsaw it is usually mentioned as the tool most of us wood workers could not do without.
A surprisingly large percentage of amateur woodworkers...
Ozfree’s Guide to Broadband Routers
By: Mei Galang | 05/05/2008 | Electronics
These days, it is common for a household to own more than one computer, gaming consoles or laptops thus having a broadband router have become a basic necessity.
A Begginers Guide To Broadband
By: Miguel Poza | 12/09/2006 | Advertising
So you are thinking of getting a broadband connection to speed up your internet experience, but do not know that much about broadband and how it works and would like to know more, then please read on.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a virus
By: rose | 08-07-2008
C:/Windows/winuscn32.exe keeps popping up at starup. after looking it up on the web....seems i have a virus. how can i delete it. i have vista home edition
Logic Board
By: Char Beckman | 08-07-2008
What is a logic board on an HP laptop? Is this the same as a motherboard?
I have a HP laptop computer and I have the ...
By: jan | 08-07-2008
I have a HP laptop computer and I have the internet through a cable company. I have my own router and modem. I want to be able to take my computer anywhere so what kind of wireless card do I get and where?
Installing leopard
By: grannymrr | 08-07-2008
how do i install leopard on both my ibook and mini mac
Freeze
By: frog | 07-07-2008
page freezes when i try to download a torrent from isohunt.
Who is Steve Wozniak's fiancee?
By: kalimaha | 07-07-2008
To whom is Steve Wozniak now engaged? After he "split" from Kathy Griffin in their staged for T.V. romance, she stated that Steve was engaged to someone. Any idea who that is?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Electronics Articles
Cheap Digital Cameras- What Do You Really Need?
By: Matt Chang | 18/07/2008
Buying a digital camera on price alone may not be the best thing you can do. Learn more.
Changing Your Washing Techniques with Technology
By: Musa Aykac | 18/07/2008
The world is growing at a very fast rate, there is hardly a single item left in the world that does not use technological advancements.
Solar Christmas Lights For Trees and Holiday Lighting
By: Dave Joa | 18/07/2008
There are many different designs of solar Christmas lights available including string lights, snowman lights, Santa lights, Christmas tree lights, stake lights, garlands, reindeer, snow balls, stars, maple leaves, flowers and in fact almost everything you can imagine for displaying a Christmas theme. And these are all available in many different and beautiful colors.
Cheap Split Ac: Stay Away From Scorching Summer Heat, Stay Comfortable
By: Raisa Raima | 18/07/2008
In the scorching heat of summers, it is a blessing in disguise if one can avail the comforts of pleasant and cool air. The innovations undertaken in the last few decades have made it possible for the mankind, thanks to the invention of air conditioners.
Xbox 360 Console: a Perfect Companion
By: Alden Jerry | 18/07/2008
Xbox 360 Console creates interest and offers unlimited entertainment and fun to the gaming console lovers
If Your Dishwasher Breaks Just Throw it Away
By: Musa Aykac | 17/07/2008
Well it was only up until recently that I would of stated something such as throwing away a dishwasher
Dishwashers Could Be One of the Greatest Inventions
By: Musa Aykac | 17/07/2008
How long have the invention of dishwashers actually been around for? 10, 20, 30 years or more.
What Is The Best Digital Camera On The Market?
By: Scott Goodman | 17/07/2008
There are differing opinions of what is the best digital camera on the market, but you can find the right digital camera for you. What you will need to do is find the best digital camera review by someone who has tried and tested the model that you are considering for purchase.
Technology 
