Networking hardware
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It performs the traffic directing functions on the Internet, forwarding packets from one network to another based on their IP addresses and routing tables. Routers connect disparate networks, enabling global…
Key facts
- First appeared
- 1981
- Category
- technology
- Problem solved
- Routers were created to enable communication between different, often incompatible, computer networks. They solved the problem of scaling local area networks (LANs) into wide area networks (WANs) and ultimately the global Internet, by efficiently forwarding data packets across multiple segments and protocol domains.
- Platforms
- General-purpose servers (for software routers/virtual routers), Cloud Virtual Machines, Custom ASIC hardware, Embedded systems (e.g., MIPS, ARM-based)
Related technologies
Notable users
- Data Centers
- Home Users
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Small Businesses
- Large Enterprises
- Telecommunication Companies
- Cloud Providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)