Netgear FM114P FR114W Reference Manual - Page 127
Appendix B Networks, Routing, and Firewall Basics, Basic Router Concepts, What is a Router?
UPC - 606449024029
View all Netgear FM114P manuals
Add to My Manuals
Save this manual to your list of manuals |
Page 127 highlights
Appendix B Networks, Routing, and Firewall Basics This chapter provides an overview of IP networks, routing, and firewalls. Basic Router Concepts Large amounts of bandwidth can be provided easily and relatively inexpensively in a local area network (LAN). However, providing high bandwidth between a local network and the Internet can be very expensive. Because of this expense, Internet access is usually provided by a slower-speed wide-area network (WAN) link such as a cable or DSL modem. In order to make the best use of the slower WAN link, a mechanism must be in place for selecting and transmitting only the data traffic meant for the Internet. The function of selecting and forwarding this data is performed by a router. What is a Router? A router is a device that forwards traffic between networks based on network layer information in the data and on routing tables maintained by the router. In these routing tables, a router builds up a logical picture of the overall network by gathering and exchanging information with other routers in the network. Using this information, the router chooses the best path for forwarding network traffic. Networks, Routing, and Firewall Basics B-1