What is a Router?

A router is a device that determines the proper path for data to travel between different networks and forwards data packets to the next device along this path. Simply put, routers connect networks together through wireless and wired communication.

Based on internal routing tables, routers read each incoming packet and decide how to forward it. The destination address in the packets determines which line (interface) outgoing packets are directed to. In large-scale enterprise routers, the current traffic load, congestion, line costs and other factors determine which line to forward to.