Router Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
router
[หraสtษr ]
Definition
networking
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. Data sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of data packets. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network.
Synonyms
gateway, modem, network device.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| router |
A router, used in homes and businesses, routes data packets between devices within the local network and to the internet.
|
| network device |
A network device is a general term for any hardware that facilitates networking, such as routers, switches, and access points.
|
| gateway |
A gateway acts as an entry and exit point between two networks, often used to connect different network protocols.
|
| modem |
A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates signals for internet access, converting digital data to analog signals and vice versa.
|
Examples of usage
- A router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best path for information to travel so it arrives at the destination as quickly as possible.
- Routers use headers and forwarding tables to determine the best path for forwarding the packets.
- Without a router, data packets would travel through every available path between the source and destination, causing congestion and delays.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Modern routers often come with built-in security features, such as firewalls, to protect home networks.
- Wi-Fi routers use radio waves to connect devices wirelessly, allowing multiple gadgets to access the internet simultaneously.
- Mesh routers are a newer technology that creates a larger, more reliable internet coverage area by using multiple units.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'Youโre not alone' was used in commercials to promote the importance of internet connectivity, often showcasing routers.
- In movies and TV shows, characters often rely on their routers to solve problems involving communication or technology.
- Many tech-savvy influencers share tips on optimizing router performance for gamers and remote workers.
Science
- Network routing protocols, like BGP and OSPF, help streamline data traveling across the internet, allowing optimal routes.
- Research shows that the design and placement of routers can impact the speed and reliability of internet connections.
- Data compression techniques are evolving, allowing routers to handle increased traffic without slowing down.
History
- The first commercial routers were introduced in the early 1990s, marking the boom of personal internet access.
- The development of the internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) was crucial for routers to communicate across diverse networks.
- In 1995, the router market began to expand rapidly as more homes adopted personal computers and internet access.
Origin of 'router'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'router' originates from the word 'route', which means to direct or send down a path.
- In the 1960s, the first data routers were developed as part of research for the ARPANET, the original internet.
- The word gained popularity in the 1980s as networking technology evolved, leading to more complex systems.
The word 'router' originated from the verb 'route', which means 'to send along a particular course'. The use of the term 'router' in the context of networking devices dates back to the 1960s. Initially, routers were large, complex devices used in academic and research settings. Over time, with the growth of the Internet, routers became more commonly used in homes and businesses to facilitate network communication.