What Is a Router? Router Definition and Functions

Internet access is key to almost everything now. Routers are an essential part of Internet access. Though they don't connect directly to the Internet, they are important for a widespread Internet connection across multiple devices. In this article, learn what a router is by definition, how it operates, the kinds of network routers available, and more.

What is a router?

A router is a device that sends and receives data across computer networks. Also known as a WLAN device, it works across local area networks (LANs), connecting devices within a local space to communicate with one another. All of them have a MAC address and an IP address.

What does a router do?

These devices are essential to network connections for anyone who wants to go online. They connect computer networks to one another, allowing communication and data packet sharing. Furthermore, they connect the modem to other devices in your home or local network, allowing them to communicate with each other and the Internet on a WiFi network.

For local area networks (LANs) these devices also assign IP addresses, acting as the Internet service provider (ISP) for wide area networks. Routers give out these private IPs to devices on the LAN to prevent IP address conflict and allow smooth communication between devices.

What are the different types of routers?

Multiple kinds of WLAN devices are used in various ways to distribute WiFi and share connections between devices. There are five main types on the market today: wired, wireless, core, edge, and virtual.

Wired routers

As the name implies, wired routers connect devices via a cable plugged into the device's ports, specifically the LAN Ethernet ports. It connects directly to each device and then to the modem, which allows these devices to access the Internet. They typically have multiple LAN Ethernet ports in the back, which lets several devices connect simultaneously.

Wireless routers

If you think of WiFi when you think of a router, you're thinking of wireless or WiFi routers. But what exactly is a wireless router? They use WiFi connections to communicate between the Internet service provider and the WLAN device and connect all wireless devices on the network via wireless frequency. This router, like the wired version, allows for multiple devices to connect at once, except it uses a digital password instead of a physical wired connection.

Though several different kinds of routers exist, almost all are wired or wireless.

Edge routers

Edge routers are located at the boundary, or edge, of a wireless network that you have control over to connect it to a network that you don't. It often connects a local area network - like your home network - to a wide area network, like the Internet. They distribute packets and control communication across several networks at once. Edge WLAN devices can be either wired or wireless.

Core routers

Whereas edge routers navigate communication between multiple networks, core routers work within only one network. However, that network is a wide area network and a core network like the Internet. They don't operate within smaller local area networks.

Core WLAN devices are fast and capable. They forward IP packets across a network to increase speeds and routing capabilities. They can also be wired or wireless.

Virtual routers

Virtual routers are software routers that allow a computer or machine to perform the same role as a hardware router. They allow control over multiple networks on one interface as opposed to a physical WLAN device, which only supports one network per interface.

They work in LANs, performing the same packet routing and network connection as a standard WLAN device would. Unlike most other types, virtual routers are neither wired nor wireless. They aren't physical devices with wiring capabilities.

What is the purpose of a router?

The purpose of a WLAN device is to connect computer networks, allowing data to route seamlessly between them. They manage traffic flow between networks, cut down large networks into smaller and more manageable segments, and perform network address translation (NAT) to allow for public IP sharing.

Do I need a router for WiFi?

Despite popular belief, these two are not the same. Therefore, users may ask - how does a router work with WiFi?

Though WLAN devices are essential if you want to share a WiFi connection with more than one WiFi device or use any device wirelessly, you technically don't need one for WiFi. It's the modem that provides the Internet connection. If you have one device that needs to access the Internet, you can use an Ethernet cable to plug into the modem only and still be able to access what you need.

However, most people find a router necessary for their household, especially if they have a large home. It allows functioning WiFi systems and lets multiple devices communicate with each other and with the Internet through the modem connection.

Routers and modems

Routers and modems work together to establish the best service with the fastest speeds possible. They are necessary to manage local area networks. But without modems, access to the Internet is impossible; you need to connect a WLAN device to a modem in order to get Internet access.

Many companies sell router-modem combination units, which makes figuring out device connections easier if you lack technical knowledge. However, these units typically don't provide quite the same signal and connection strength as separate modem and router units do when connected. If you get your WiFi from an ISP, the unit or units they send you will suffice for your connection, but some users prefer to purchase their own WLAN devices for superior service.

What is my router's IP address?

To configure your router or its settings, you need its IP address. Though this varies by machine, you can easily find the IP address by locating your default gateway using the ipconfig command or checking your device's settings, depending on the machine.

Once you learn how to find your default gateway address, you'll know the IP. In many cases, your router's IP address is also what your public IP address is, though you can also change your IP address using some methods. Once you have your public IP, use it to log on to your device and change your password or username, change your SSID, and more.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a router and a modem?

You need both if you want to connect multiple devices to the Internet at the same time or if you want to connect any device wirelessly. A WLAN device can't connect independently, but modems can connect a single device with a wired connection to the Internet.

What is the difference between a router and a gateway?

While both serve to connect multiple networks together, a gateway connects a single local area network to the Internet or another network while a router connects multiple networks together.

What is WPS on a router?

WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup. It's a feature on many routers that makes it easy to connect devices securely. If you see a WPS button on the back of your WLAN device, you can press it to connect a device rather than enter your long WiFi password. Press the button, and it will seek out compatible devices and connect automatically, much like how a Bluetooth connection works.

What is a mesh router?

A mesh router is part of a mesh network. It links several access points across a space to improve a WiFi connection. A single WLAN device only reaches so far, but mesh WLAN devices and mesh networks have a stronger connection across a greater distance.

What is a router used for?

It manages traffic across a network via data packet transfer. It also allows more than one device to access the Internet at once on the same network. Furthermore, it assigns IP addresses, like an ISP, to devices on a LAN.

Are routers wired or wireless?

Both wired and wireless types exist. Which you use depends on your network needs.