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A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic-directing functions on the internet and in other computer networks. Data sent over the internet, such as web pages and emails, is broken down into smaller pieces called packets. Routers receive these packets and use the information within them to send them to their intended destination.

Routers connect two or more networks together. For example, your home router connects your home network to your internet service provider's network, which then connects to the wider internet. Routers use a routing table, which is like a map, to determine the best path for a packet to travel. This routing table is updated dynamically as networks change.

There are different types of routers. Edge routers connect a network to the internet. Core routers are used within large networks, such as those operated by internet service providers, to route traffic across vast distances. Home routers are typically simpler devices that provide wireless connectivity for multiple devices within a household and connect that local network to the internet. They often include features like firewalls to protect the home network from unauthorized access.