Appendix b network, routing, firewall, and basics, Related publications, Basic router concepts – NETGEAR 108 MBPS WIRELESS WGT624 V3 User Manual
Page 81: What is a router, Appendix b, Network, routing, firewall, and basics
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics
B-1
202-10090-02 v 1.4, July 2005
Appendix B
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics
This chapter provides an overview of IP networks, routing, and networking.
Related Publications
As you read this document, you may be directed to various RFC documents for further
information. An RFC is a Request For Comment (RFC) published by the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF), an open organization that defines the architecture and operation of the Internet.
The RFC documents outline and define the standard protocols and procedures for the Internet. The
documents are listed on the World Wide Web at
www.ietf.org
and are mirrored and indexed at
many other sites worldwide.
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.
Routers vary in performance and scale, number of routing protocols supported, and types of
physical WAN connection they support. The WGT624 v3 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router is a
small office router that routes the IP protocol over a single-user broadband connection.