A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers are located at gateways, the places where two or more networks connect.

A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When data is sent from one network to another, the router examines the destination address of each data packet and determines the best way to forward the packet.

Routers use routing tables to determine the best way to forward data. Routing tables are populated by information that is supplied by network administrators.

Most routers use the Internet Protocol (IP) to forward data …