Routers
A computer network without routers is very incomplete. The work of a router is to transform packets of data through many networks. There has to be at least two networks for a router to be used for connection. These networks might be LANS or WANs. Routers act as connectors which must be positioned at the gateways that comprise the connection. The ideal routing procedure is one that leads to transfer of data as it finds its path from the host computer to the other. In technical terms, routers make use of tables and headers so as to determine the best path for the data packets to be transferred. The use of protocols therefore arises. ICMP is an example of protocols used to facilitate communication between the server and hosts.
Routers should be differentiated from switches and hubs. These are different items that function in different ways. The main reason why they are often confused is that they function together as if they are one component. Both a hub and a switch perform the same function in the network. Packets of data that are handled through the operation of a hub and a switch are referred to as frames.
