Are you interested in setting up a home network? Perhaps your business would profit with the help of a network that allows all systems to communicate more effectively. Or, maybe you are simply looking for a way to allow multiple devices to take advantage of your Internet access. Regardless, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need to have in place is the router.



Taking a Closer Look at Routers

A router is a device that allows information to be forwarded, or touted, to other devices. In many cases, routers contain a specialized operating system as well as NVRAM, RAM, flash memory, processors and network interfaces. High end routers will also typically include Application-specified integrated circuits and are typically capable of completing a significant amount of parallel processing. When it comes to providing Internet services in homes, however, much simpler and less expensive routers are used. In addition, with the right software applications, even a standard PC can serve as a router.

Operating on the Right Plane

In order to properly forward data, routers may operate on one of two different planes. The first, the control plane, is the plane on which the router learns which outgoing interface is best suited for forwarding information to specific locations. The second, the forwarding plane, is responsible for actually sending the information to an outbound logical interface.

Exploring Different Types of Routers

There are many different types of routers available on the market and the type of router needed depends upon its application. For example, the larger Cisco CRS-1 routers are commonly found in very large enterprise networks, but this type of router would not be suitable for home office connectivity. In this case, a residential gateway would be used to connect broadband services among multiple computers and devices. This type of "router" is actually different from the type used in large enterprises because it uses port address translation as well as routing. As a result, it makes all of the computers on the system appear to be a single computer.

Enterprise routers are different from residential gateway routers in that they are far more powerful and operate in a different fashion. These routers are commonly found in large business, academic facilities, research facilities and ISPs. In this case, the router generally implements a three-layer model that includes all of the following types of routers:

- Access

- Distribution

The access router is the one that is physically located on site. In general, these routers are optimized for low cost. Distribution routers, on the other hand, aggregate the traffic being sent out from numerous access routers. This router may be located on the same site as the access router or it may aggregate information from routers at many different sites. Distribution routers may also provide connectivity to external networks or group of servers.

The core router within an enterprise system is responsible for interconnecting all of the distribution routers. In an academic setting, for example, it may tie together all of the distribution routers used within each building on campus. Similarly, a large enterprise may have a core router located at each of its locations.

Regardless of the type of router used, you are likely utilizing one nearly every time you log onto the Internet or into a network. Even if you do not have a network set up at home, your ISP invariably has routers set up in order to provide you with the service you need. While you certainly don't need to know all of the technical ins and outs of these devices, it is beneficial to understand how they work and how you can put them to better use for your personal purposes.