Network router

A network router is a hardware device that is connected to multiple channels for different networks through an interface that is situated on each network. The router is usually located within the layers of a network that determine the path for the transfer of data with the router acting as a processing unit for information packets. The router duplicates information packets for use during transmission from one network to another. The router uses a specific protocol or set of rules to determine which information packets are to be routed to certain interfaces within the network. Different types of routers perform different functions depending upon the requirements of the network system.