Types of Routers

Let us first understand what broadband connections are in communication networks. A broadband connection is a high-speed, high-capacity Data transmission medium. Several bandwidth channels can be established on a single cable. Broadband technology allows the simultaneous transmission of voice, data and video over long distances.

Modems capture the information that comes through a broadband connection and deliver it to your computer. The router chooses the route for the packet so that you receive the information first. The router is a multi-port device that is more sophisticated than repeaters and bridges. As with bridges, routers also support filtering and encapsulation.  Routers operate at the physical, data link, and network layers of the OSI model.

Their self-learning capabilities are similar to those of bridges, as they can communicate their existence to other devices and learn about new routers, nodes, and LAN segments.

An IP address (network layer address) is accessible to a router. A routing table enables it to make decisions about the route, i.e. to determine which of several possible paths between the source and destination is the optimal path. Such routing tables are dynamic and are updated by routing protocols.

Routers receive packets from one network connected to a second network connected to it. If, however, a received packet includes the address of a node on some other network (to which the router is not a member), the router determines which of its connected networks is the best next relay point for that packet. After identifying the best route for a packet, the router passes the packet along the appropriate network to another router. A router determines the best route for a packet based on its destination address and passes it to the destination network.

Router types

The market offers a wide variety of router types.

Broadband routers, for example.

Broadband routers can be used in various ways. Computers and the Internet can be connected using broadband routers.

A broadband router is required if you connect to the internet by phone and use Voice over IP technology (VOIP). ADSL modems have both Ethernet and phone jacks, so these are often a special type of modem.

Wireless Routers

These devices transmit data wirelessly. Wireless routers allow any PC within range to connect to the Internet and use your network.

To secure your wireless router, you simply need to set a password or obtain your IP address. You'll then log in using the user ID and password that come with your router.

Other Type of Router

Edge Router

They are usually placed at the edge of the ISP network, configured for an external protocol like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to another BGP of another ISP or large organization.

Subscriber Edge Router 

Routers of this type are used by end users (enterprises). Broadcasts external BGP to its provider's AS(es)

at the border

An interconnection ISP router is a BGP speaking router that maintains BGP sessions with other BGP speaking routers in other ASes.

Core Router

Routers that are located within the middle or backbone of a LAN network, rather than at its periphery. In some cases, a core router functions as a backbone connecting distribution routers from multiple buildings of a campus (LAN) or large enterprise location (WAN). They are typically designed for high bandwidth.

Wired and Wireless Routers.

In the home and small office, IP wired and wireless routers are becoming increasingly popular. These routers can maintain routing and configuration information in their routing tables.  Additionally, they offer the service of filtering incoming and outgoing packets based on IP addresses.

There are some wireless routers that combine the functions of a router, a network switch, and a firewall.