Networking devices :Routers

Routers are networking devices that forward data packets between
networks using headers and forwarding tables to determine the best
path to forward the packets. Routers work at the network layer of the
TCP/IP model or layer 3 of the OSI model. Routers also provide
interconnectivity between like and unlike media (RFC 1812). This is
accomplished by examining the Header of a data packet, and making a
decision on the next hop to which it should be sent (RFC 1812) They
use preconfigured static routes, status of their hardware interfaces,
and routing protocols to select the best route between any two
subnets. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two
LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Some DSL and cable
modems, for home (and even office) use, have been integrated with
routers to allow multiple home/office computers to access the Internet
through the same connection. Many of these new devices also consist of
wireless access points (waps) or wireless routers to allow for IEEE
802.11b/g wireless enabled devices to connect to the network without
the need for a cabled connection.