In order to transfer information over the internet, a vast array of routers are used all over the world.

Routers are basically equipment used to connect different networks. Even a small home LAN can require the use of a router to connect, for example, three computers to access the internet through one of the computers. For this purpose, we can use a router, a switch, or both. Switches are mainly used for LANs and other local connections, like basic telephony, while routers are used for long distance connections over the internet. A home router can then communicate with the ISP’s router when transferring or receiving packets of information, which in turn will communicate with the next router until the information eventually reaches a computer or server on the other end.

When communicating with each other, routers use protocols. Routing protocols are used so that routers can know where to send specific packets of information, so that it reaches the destination where it is meant to go. Protocols are also used to name the most common types of transfers realized over the internet, HTTP (Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Over the years, and with the continuous growth of the internet, routers have become faster and more reliable, with the added option nowadays of wireless routers. Surely we can expect many more improvements as the internet continues to grow.

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