Routers

Routers

Routers were originally invented to solve some of the problems that weren't addressed by bridges. Like bridges, routers are used to segment a LAN in order to reduce excess broadcast traffic and latency. In addition, routers make internetworking possible by interconnecting both local and wide area networks.

The function of a router is to direct data along the most efficient and economical route to the destination device. Routers operate at Network Layer 3, which means they examine the logical network address (for example, 191.29.21.100) and not the physical hardware address (MAC).

Routers are smarter than bridges because they know about routing protocols, different address schemes, different frame sizes and different data rates in order to make the best decision on which path to choose. The best path is determined by using routing tables and algorithms.