What Is a Router and How Does it Work?

What Is a Router For?

A router is the first line of security from intrusion into a data pipe.

ASUS router

Asus

Routers contain software called firmware that should be updated as released by the router manufacturer.

However, routers that connect to a computer with a USB orFireWiretypically require drivers to operate correctly.

Routers often act as the DHCP servers in small networks, issuing unique IP addresses.

Netgear router

Netgear

A wireless router can connect using various wireless standards to devices that also support the particular standard used.

The IP address assigned to the WAN or internet connection is a public IP address.

The IP address assigned to the local web link connection is a private IP address.

eero router

eero

Routers are like small computers, with a CPU and memory to deal with incoming and outgoing data.

This is done by accessing the software on the router.

FAQ

Different devices and operating systems vary in theirsteps to finding a router’s IP address.

Netgear router

Netgear

In Windows, typeCommand Promptin the search bar >Enter> typeipconfigin the command line >Enter.

The router’s IP address displays next toDefault Gateway.

Portforwardingis the official term foropeninga port.

TP-LINK router

TP-Link

Tolog in to a NETGEAR router, go torouterlogin.net> enter theusernameandpasswordfor your router.

TP-LINK router

TP-Link