Definitions for teachers by teachers

Router

A router is a special type of internet host that gateways (transfers) packets between two or more networks. Routers use headers and a forwarding table to determine where packets go, and they use ICMP to communicate with each other and configure the best route between any two hosts. Very little filtering of data is done through routers. Routers do not care about the type of data they handle.

by Marty Sierra-Perry

ROUTER

A router forwards packets from a local area network (LAN) to another, based on network-layer information. Routers also act as traffic cops, allowing only authorized machines to transmit data into the local network so that private information can remain secure. Routers also handle errors, keep network usage statistics, and handle security issues. It can be a computer that determines the shortest or best path for network traffic flow based on algorithms or other criteria.

A router differs from a bridge in that a bridge interconnects multiple local area networks using the same logical link control protocol but may use different medium access control protocols.

IBM Dictionary of Computing - http://www.networking.ibm.com/nsg/Gatmst11.htm

CNET Glossary - http://coverage.cnet.com/Resources/Info/Glossary/

by Gloria Henke

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