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%Start What Is a Router and How Does It Work? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
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Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security &gt; Home Networking 370 370 people found this article helpful <h1> What Is a Router and How Does It Work?</h1> <h2> Everything to know about setting up your residential gateway</h2> By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years&#39; of professional technology experience. He&#39;s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 370 370 people found this article helpful

What Is a Router and How Does It Work?

Everything to know about setting up your residential gateway

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire.
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lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 25, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years&#39; experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email <h3> In This Article</h3> Expand Jump to a Section Purpose of a Router How Routers Work Managing a Router Buying a Router Frequently Asked Questions The router, at least the common home network device that is usually called a router, is the piece of network hardware that allows communication between your local home network—like your personal computers and other connected devices—and the internet.
Sophia Chen Member
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lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 25, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Purpose of a Router How Routers Work Managing a Router Buying a Router Frequently Asked Questions The router, at least the common home network device that is usually called a router, is the piece of network hardware that allows communication between your local home network—like your personal computers and other connected devices—and the internet.
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The router used in home and small networks is more accurately called a residential gateway, but you&#39;ll never see these devices called that. The 9 Best Wireless Routers of 2022 1:22 <h3> What Is a Router and How Does it Work?</h3> <h2> What Is a Router For </h2> A router is the first line of security from intrusion into a network.
Mason Rodriguez Member
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The router used in home and small networks is more accurately called a residential gateway, but you'll never see these devices called that. The 9 Best Wireless Routers of 2022 1:22

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 network.
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Brandon Kumar 1 minutes ago
Enabling the highest level of security on the router turns on things like the firewall, and is the b...
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Enabling the highest level of security on the router turns on things like the firewall, and is the best way to keep your computer system and information safe from attack. Routers contain software called firmware that should be updated as released by the router manufacturer. Most routers connect to other network devices only with network cables and don't require drivers to operate in Windows or other operating systems.
Audrey Mueller Member
access_time 5 minutes ago
Enabling the highest level of security on the router turns on things like the firewall, and is the best way to keep your computer system and information safe from attack. Routers contain software called firmware that should be updated as released by the router manufacturer. Most routers connect to other network devices only with network cables and don't require drivers to operate in Windows or other operating systems.
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Thomas Anderson 5 minutes ago
However, routers that connect to a computer with a USB or FireWire typically require drivers to oper...
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Isaac Schmidt 2 minutes ago
Most routers are manufactured by companies like Linksys, 3Com, Belkin, D-Link, Motorola, TRENDnet, ...
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However, routers that connect to a computer with a USB or FireWire typically require drivers to operate correctly. Routers often act as the DHCP servers in small networks, issuing unique IP addresses.
Christopher Lee Member
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However, routers that connect to a computer with a USB or FireWire typically require drivers to operate correctly. Routers often act as the DHCP servers in small networks, issuing unique IP addresses.
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Audrey Mueller 3 minutes ago
Most routers are manufactured by companies like Linksys, 3Com, Belkin, D-Link, Motorola, TRENDnet, ...
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Joseph Kim 2 minutes ago
How to Connect a Router to the Internet A router typically connects physically, using a network cabl...
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Most routers are manufactured by companies like Linksys, 3Com, Belkin, D-Link, Motorola, TRENDnet, and Cisco, but there are many others. Functions and Features of Routers for Home Computer Networks Routers come in many shapes and sizes, as you can see below: Asus Netgear eero Netgear TP-Link TP-Link <h2> How Routers Work </h2> Routers connect a modem—like a fiber, cable, or DSL modem—to other devices to allow communication between those devices and the internet. Most routers, including wireless routers, usually feature several network ports to connect numerous devices to the internet simultaneously.
Kevin Wang Member
access_time 28 minutes ago
Most routers are manufactured by companies like Linksys, 3Com, Belkin, D-Link, Motorola, TRENDnet, and Cisco, but there are many others. Functions and Features of Routers for Home Computer Networks Routers come in many shapes and sizes, as you can see below: Asus Netgear eero Netgear TP-Link TP-Link

How Routers Work

Routers connect a modem—like a fiber, cable, or DSL modem—to other devices to allow communication between those devices and the internet. Most routers, including wireless routers, usually feature several network ports to connect numerous devices to the internet simultaneously.
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Charlotte Lee 20 minutes ago
How to Connect a Router to the Internet A router typically connects physically, using a network cabl...
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Hannah Kim 21 minutes ago
Although these devices are used in the same context, modems and routers are different devices, thoug...
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How to Connect a Router to the Internet A router typically connects physically, using a network cable, to the modem via the internet or WAN port and then physically, again through a network cable, to the network interface card in whatever wired network devices you have. A wireless router can connect using various wireless standards to devices that also support the particular standard used.
Alexander Wang Member
access_time 8 minutes ago
How to Connect a Router to the Internet A router typically connects physically, using a network cable, to the modem via the internet or WAN port and then physically, again through a network cable, to the network interface card in whatever wired network devices you have. A wireless router can connect using various wireless standards to devices that also support the particular standard used.
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Joseph Kim 7 minutes ago
Although these devices are used in the same context, modems and routers are different devices, thoug...
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Emma Wilson 3 minutes ago
The IP address assigned to the local network connection is a private IP address. The private IP addr...
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Although these devices are used in the same context, modems and routers are different devices, though there are cable modem/router combos. The IP address assigned to the WAN or internet connection is a public IP address.
Madison Singh Member
access_time 18 minutes ago
Although these devices are used in the same context, modems and routers are different devices, though there are cable modem/router combos. The IP address assigned to the WAN or internet connection is a public IP address.
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The IP address assigned to the local network connection is a private IP address. The private IP address assigned to a router is usually the default gateway for the various devices on the network. Wireless routers, and wired routers with multiple connections, also act as simple network switches allowing the devices to communicate with each other.
Victoria Lopez Member
access_time 30 minutes ago
The IP address assigned to the local network connection is a private IP address. The private IP address assigned to a router is usually the default gateway for the various devices on the network. Wireless routers, and wired routers with multiple connections, also act as simple network switches allowing the devices to communicate with each other.
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William Brown 23 minutes ago
For example, several computers connected to a router can be configured to share files and printers a...
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Andrew Wilson 15 minutes ago
A router operates on the Network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and uses routing tables to underst...
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For example, several computers connected to a router can be configured to share files and printers among each other. Routers are like small computers, with a CPU and memory to deal with incoming and outgoing data. Different software, such as DD-WRT, can be loaded on the router, much like an operating system on a computer.
Mia Anderson Member
access_time 44 minutes ago
For example, several computers connected to a router can be configured to share files and printers among each other. Routers are like small computers, with a CPU and memory to deal with incoming and outgoing data. Different software, such as DD-WRT, can be loaded on the router, much like an operating system on a computer.
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A router operates on the Network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and uses routing tables to understand where traffic is coming from and where it should go. How to Fix the Most Common Wi-Fi Router Problems <h2> Managing a Router </h2> There will most likely come a time where you need to make changes to how your network works. This is done by accessing the software on the router.
Ava White Moderator
access_time 12 minutes ago
A router operates on the Network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and uses routing tables to understand where traffic is coming from and where it should go. How to Fix the Most Common Wi-Fi Router Problems

Managing a Router

There will most likely come a time where you need to make changes to how your network works. This is done by accessing the software on the router.
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Audrey Mueller 8 minutes ago
A few reasons you need to connect to your home router as an administrator might be if you want to: C...
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A few reasons you need to connect to your home router as an administrator might be if you want to: Change your Wi-Fi router's login password Encrypt your wireless network Set up port forwarding Change your Wi-Fi password Change the SSID (Wi-Fi name) on your router Upgrade your router's firmware Some other common tasks related to managing a router involve restarting the router and completely resetting the home network router's software. <h2> Buying a Router </h2> There are several things to consider before picking the right wireless router, such as how fast it needs to be to support your internet speed and devices, as well as its power to ensure that all your devices can receive internet access.
Oliver Taylor Member
access_time 26 minutes ago
A few reasons you need to connect to your home router as an administrator might be if you want to: Change your Wi-Fi router's login password Encrypt your wireless network Set up port forwarding Change your Wi-Fi password Change the SSID (Wi-Fi name) on your router Upgrade your router's firmware Some other common tasks related to managing a router involve restarting the router and completely resetting the home network router's software.

Buying a Router

There are several things to consider before picking the right wireless router, such as how fast it needs to be to support your internet speed and devices, as well as its power to ensure that all your devices can receive internet access.
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Audrey Mueller 6 minutes ago
For example, maybe you're buying a Wi-Fi router to serve lots of devices, like gaming consoles, comp...
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Thomas Anderson 21 minutes ago
See these best-of lists if you're having trouble deciding on a new router: Best Long-Range Route...
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For example, maybe you're buying a Wi-Fi router to serve lots of devices, like gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and phones. If your house is small, you might be able to get away with one router, whereas larger homes or businesses with several rooms might be better off with a mesh network or a range extender.
Sophie Martin Member
access_time 14 minutes ago
For example, maybe you're buying a Wi-Fi router to serve lots of devices, like gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and phones. If your house is small, you might be able to get away with one router, whereas larger homes or businesses with several rooms might be better off with a mesh network or a range extender.
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Isaac Schmidt 6 minutes ago
See these best-of lists if you're having trouble deciding on a new router: Best Long-Range Route...
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Amelia Singh 6 minutes ago
In Windows, type Command Prompt in the search bar > Enter > type ipconfig in the command line ...
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See these best-of lists if you&#39;re having trouble deciding on a new router: Best Long-Range Routers Best Secure Routers Best Routers for Under $50 Best Budget Routers Best Gaming Routers Best Wireless Travel Routers Best Parental Control Routers Best VPN-Enabled Routers Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are similar to routers because they connect multiple devices to the same internet connection. The Ultimate Router Buying Guide FAQ What is my IP address for my router? Different devices and operating systems vary in their steps to finding a router&#39;s IP address.
Madison Singh Member
access_time 60 minutes ago
See these best-of lists if you're having trouble deciding on a new router: Best Long-Range Routers Best Secure Routers Best Routers for Under $50 Best Budget Routers Best Gaming Routers Best Wireless Travel Routers Best Parental Control Routers Best VPN-Enabled Routers Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are similar to routers because they connect multiple devices to the same internet connection. The Ultimate Router Buying Guide FAQ What is my IP address for my router? Different devices and operating systems vary in their steps to finding a router's IP address.
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In Windows, type Command Prompt in the search bar &gt; Enter &gt; type ipconfig in the command line &gt; Enter. The router&#39;s IP address displays next to Default Gateway.
Audrey Mueller Member
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In Windows, type Command Prompt in the search bar > Enter > type ipconfig in the command line > Enter. The router's IP address displays next to Default Gateway.
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<br/> How can I open ports on my router? To open a port for video games and other programs—first, you&#39;ll need to set up a static IP address, then log in to your router as an admin and set up port forwarding.
Oliver Taylor Member
access_time 17 minutes ago

How can I open ports on my router? To open a port for video games and other programs—first, you'll need to set up a static IP address, then log in to your router as an admin and set up port forwarding.
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Isaac Schmidt 2 minutes ago
Port forwarding is the official term for opening a port. How do you reset a NETGEAR router? Straight...
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Port forwarding is the official term for opening a port. How do you reset a NETGEAR router? Straighten one end of a paper clip, then press it inside the tiny hole in the back of your NETGEAR router for about seven seconds.
Hannah Kim Member
access_time 18 minutes ago
Port forwarding is the official term for opening a port. How do you reset a NETGEAR router? Straighten one end of a paper clip, then press it inside the tiny hole in the back of your NETGEAR router for about seven seconds.
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Wait 30 more seconds before logging into the router with the username and password found on the bottom of the router. Resetting the NETGEAR router will restore all default settings and remove all custom settings.
Harper Kim Member
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Wait 30 more seconds before logging into the router with the username and password found on the bottom of the router. Resetting the NETGEAR router will restore all default settings and remove all custom settings.
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Nathan Chen 8 minutes ago
How do you log in to a NETGEAR router? To log in to a NETGEAR router, go to routerlogin.net > ent...
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Lily Watson 70 minutes ago
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How do you log in to a NETGEAR router? To log in to a NETGEAR router, go to routerlogin.net &gt; enter the username and password for your router. Was this page helpful?
Scarlett Brown Member
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How do you log in to a NETGEAR router? To log in to a NETGEAR router, go to routerlogin.net > enter the username and password for your router. Was this page helpful?
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Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find the IP Address on a Mac How to Set Up a Router How to Connect a Router to the Internet Can't Connect to the Internet?
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Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find the IP Address on a Mac How to Set Up a Router How to Connect a Router to the Internet Can't Connect to the Internet?
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Try These 10 Tips What Is an IP Address? What Is a Public IP Address?...
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Try These 10 Tips What Is an IP Address? What Is a Public IP Address?
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(and How to Find Yours) What Is a Dynamic IP Address? Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Netwo...
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How to Connect to Your Home Router as an Administrator How to Find the Default IP Address of a Belki...
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(and How to Find Yours) What Is a Dynamic IP Address? Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device Can a Router Get a Virus?
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(and How to Find Yours) What Is a Dynamic IP Address? Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device Can a Router Get a Virus?
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What Is a Router and How Does It Work? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!...
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