In today’s digital age, computer networks are very important as the basis for communication and data exchange. Router, Server, and VLAN are the main components that keep the network functioning properly and efficiently.
In this article, Bardimin will explain these network devices’ functions, settings, and work in detail to provide a thorough understanding for beginners and professionals alike.
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What Is a Router and Its Functions?
A router is an essential tool in a network that connects various networks. Here, we’ll cover some important things about routers, including their definition, main functions, and routing algorithm.
Router Definition
A router is a device that operates at the network layer in the OSI model and the internet layer in the TCP/IP model. Its main task is to pass data packets between networks by determining the best path based on the information in the packet header.
In other words, the router serves as a link that ensures the data gets to its destination in the most efficient way.
Main Functions of Router
The main function of a router is to send data packets based on the information in the header. The router analyzes the destination address in the packet and uses the routing table to determine the direction of the packet’s delivery.
This process involves selecting the best path to send data from the source to the destination, which is crucial for maintaining network efficiency and speed.
Routing Algorithm
Routing algorithms are an important part of data delivery. This algorithm selects the best path based on several metrics, such as:
- Hop Count: Counts the number of routers that the packet passes through.
- Delay: Measures the time it takes to send a package from the source to the destination.
- Bandwidth: Assess the capacity of links available for data delivery.
- Load: Pay attention to the level of traffic density in each lane.
Using these metrics, routing algorithms can determine the optimal path for each data packet, ensuring the network functions efficiently and effectively.
Routers not only connect local networks but also play a role in overall internet traffic management, making them one of the most important devices in modern network infrastructure.
Routing Metrics: Path Determination Basics
Routing metrics are variables that are used to determine the best path in data delivery. This metric is crucial in the routing process because it helps routing algorithms choose the most efficient path based on a variety of factors. Here’s an explanation of some commonly used routing metrics:
Delay
Delay is the time it takes for a router to process, queue, and deliver data packets to a specific interface. This metric includes all the time spent in each stage of packet processing. The path with the lowest delay value is considered the best path because it is faster in data transmission.
Hop Count
Hop count is the number of hops that a data packet travels through a network device, such as a router. This metric measures how many devices a package has to travel through before it reaches its destination. If the routing protocol considers hop count as the primary metric, then the path with the fewest number of hops will be selected as the best path.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the capacity of a path to transfer data, usually expressed in bits per second (bps). This metric shows how much data can be transferred through a link in a given time. Higher-bandwidth lines will be preferred because they can handle more data at once, thus improving transmission efficiency.
Reliability
Reliability refers to the reliability of a dynamically measured line. Some links may be more susceptible to damage than others. System administrators typically assign numerical reliability values to each path, and more reliable paths will be selected compared to less reliable paths.
Load
Load shows how congested the network traffic is at any given time. It can be measured from the number of packets processed in a given time or the usage of resources such as CPU and memory. Lighter load paths are considered better for data transmission, as they reduce the risk of congestion and increase the speed of transmission.
Types of Routing in Networks
Routing in a computer network is the process of sending data packets from one network to another through a predetermined path. The type of routing affects how the router sends data packets, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most commonly used types of routing:
Static Routing
Static routing is a method in which routes are manually defined and set by network administrators. In this method, each route must be manually added to the routing table for the router to send packets to a predefined destination.
Excess:
- Low CPU Usage: There is no additional load on the router’s CPU usage, making it more efficient for devices with limited resources.
- Higher Security: Only administrators have full control over the allowed routes, thus increasing network security.
- No Bandwidth Usage Between Routers: Static routing does not require constant communication between routers to update the routing table.
Deficiency:
- Complexity in Large Networks: Manually adding routes for large networks can be very tiring and prone to errors.
- Administrator Skills: Administrators must have in-depth knowledge of network topology to manage routes effectively.