Question

Explain in brief the following connectivity devices:

Router

Answer 1

Router:

Routers are internetwork connectivity devices. They are used to connect two topologically
similar or dissimilar LANs. i.e. the LANs can be different e.g. they can be ethernet and token
ring. Each LAN is logically separate and is assigned an address.

A router can use a network address to assist efficient delivery of a message. Delivering packets according to the logical network address to assist is called as routing. Routers perform routing.

Router are intelligent. They can use algorithms to determine most efficient path for sending a packet to any given network.

Router are also be used to divide large, busy LANs into smaller segments.

Router are also employed to connect LAN to wide area network (WAN).

Router are of two types:

1. Static routers
2. Dynamic routers

Static routers do not determine paths, but you need to specify them. Dynamic router have
capacity to determine paths (routers).