What is a router? A router is a device that connects local area networks and wide area networks in the Internet. It automatically selects and sets routes according to the situation of channels, and sends signals in sequence with the best path. English name Router, Router is the hub of the Internet, "traffic police". At present, routers have been widely used in all walks of life, and various products of different grades have become the main force to realize the internal connection of various backbone networks, interconnection between backbone networks and interconnection between backbone networks and the Internet.
One function of a router is to connect different networks; another is to select the route through which information is sent. Choose the unobstructed shortcut, can greatly improve the communication speed, reduce the network system communication load, save the network system resources, improve the network system unimpeded rate, so that the network system to play a greater benefit.
A router has four elements: an input port, an output port, a switch, a routing processor, and other ports.
In terms of architecture, routers can be divided into the first generation of single-bus single-CPU router, the second generation of single-bus master-slave CPU router, and the third generation of single-bus symmetric multi-CPU router. The fourth generation of multi-bus and multi-CPU router, the fifth generation of shared memory router, the sixth generation of crossover switch router and router based on cluster system.
In addition, when selecting a router, pay attention to security, control software, network extension capability, network management system, and live plug and plug capability.