Understanding Routers: A Practical Guide to Modern Networking

 

Introduction


In this blog, we’ll explore the practical aspects of routers and their vital role in today’s communication systems. Let’s get started!


Table of Contents

  1. What is a Router?

  2. Function of Router .

  3. Types of Router’s .

  4. Routers For Internet connectivity and Internal use.

  5. Conclusion



What is a Router ?

In simple terms , a router is a device that determines the proper path for data to travel between different networks . They connect networks together ; a LAN to a WAN for example , to access the Internet . Some units of router are available in both wired and wireless models. In fact , a router plays a very important role in determining the Qos ( Quality of Service ) of a network. 

A more precise definition of a router is a computer networking device that interconnects separate logical subnets.


Function of Router : 

A router is basically a computer whose software and hardware are usually tailored to the task of routing and forwarding , generally containing a specialized operating system ( e.g. Cisco’s IOS or Juniper Networks JunOS ) , RAM , NVRAM , flash memory , and one or more processors . High - end routers contain many processors and specialized ASICs and do a great deal of parallel processing . Routers connect to two or more logical subnets , which do not necessarily map one-to-one to the physical interfaces of the routers.


Routers operate in two different planes:

  1. CONTROL PLANE , in which the router learns the outgoing interface that is most appropriate for forwarding specific packets to specific destinations .

  2. FORWARDING PLANE , which is responsible for the actual process of sending a packet received on a logical interface to an outbound logical interface.


To understand the role of a router , understand that it does not , in a network of any real complexity , take you directly to the destination . Instead your information will pass through a series of routers and intermediate subnets , each getting you one “ hop “ closer to the destination , until you reach the router that connects to the subnet that contains your final destination.

Routers are like intersections whereas subnets are like streets and hosts like house . 

Types of router’s

A router can be classified based on the through put and same other features . Some examples are given below : 

CISCO CRS-1 Carrier Routing System

Metro Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 

Linksys befsr41 DSL Router

Routers may provide connectivity inside enterprise , between enterprises and the Internet , and inside Internet Service Providers (ISP) . The largest routers for example Cisco CRS-1 , Juniper T1600 interconnect ISPs , are used inside ISPs , or may be used in very large enterprise networks for example in Cisco 7600 series. The smallest routers provide connectivity for small and home offices for example in Linksys befsr41.

Routers for Internet connectivity and internal use : 

Routers intended for ISP and major enterprise connectivity will almost invariably exchange routing information with the Border Gateway Protocol . RFC4098 defines several types of BGP - speaking routers : 

  • Provider Edge Router : Placed at the edge of an ISP network , it speaks external BGP (eBGP) to BGP speaker in another provider or large enterprise Autonomous System ( AS) .

  • Subscriber Edge Router : Located at the edge of the subscriber’s network , it speaks eBGP to its provider’s AS(s) . It belongs to an end user (  enterprise) organization . 

  • Inter - provider Border Router : Interconnecting ISPs , this is a BGP speaking routers in other provider’s ASes. ovider border routers.

Router acts as an Internet Backbone : the internet does not have a clearly identifiable backbone , as did its predecessors . Nevertheless , it is the major ISPs routers that make up what many would consider the core . These ISPs operate all four types of the BGP- speaking routers described here . In ISP usage, a core router is internal to an ISP , and used to interconnect its edge and border routers , core routers may also have specialized functions in virtual private networks based on a combination of BGP and Multi- Protocol Label Switching (MPLS).

Conclusion

Routers are essential devices in today’s digital world, enabling communication between different networks and ensuring data reaches its destination efficiently. From forwarding data packets to managing IP addresses and ensuring network security, routers play a crucial role in both home and enterprise environments.

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