A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, creating an overlayinternetwork.

A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its ultimate destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey. Routers perform the "traffic directing" functions on the Internet. A data packet is typically forwarded from one router to another through the networks that constitute the [1] internetwork until it gets to its destination node. The most familiar type of routers are home and small office routers that simply pass data, such as web pages and email, between the home computers and the owner's cable or DSL modem, which connects to the Internet (ISP). However more sophisticated routers range from enterprise routers, which connect large business or ISP networks up to the powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fiber lines of the Internet backbone. When multiple routers are used in interconnected networks, the routers exchange information about destination addresses, using a dynamic routing protocol. Each router builds up a table listing the preferred routes between any two systems on the interconnected networks. A router has interfaces for different physical types of network connections, (such as copper cables, fiber optic, or wireless transmission). It also contains firmware for different networking protocol standards. Each network interface uses this specialized computer software to enable data packets to be forwarded from one protocol transmission system to another. Routers may also be used to connect two or more logical groups of computer devices known as subnets, each with a different sub-network address. The subnets addresses recorded in the router do not [2] necessarily map directly to the physical interface connections. A router has two stages of operation called planes Control plane: A router records a routing table listing what route should be used to forward a data packet, and through which physical interface connection. It does this using internal pre-configured addresses, called static routes. Forwarding plane: The router forwards data packets between incoming and outgoing interface connections. It routes it to the correct network type using information that the packet headercontains. It uses data recorded in the routing table control plane. Following are the different kinds of routers:

Access
Access routers, including 'small office/home office' (SOHO) models, are located at customer sites such as branch offices that do not need hierarchical routing of their own. Typically, they are optimized for low cost. Some SOHO routers are capable of running alternative free Linux-based firmwares like Tomato.

Distribution
Distribution routers aggregate traffic from multiple access routers, either at the same site, or to collect the data streams from multiple sites to a major enterprise location. Distribution routers are often responsible for enforcing quality of service across a WAN, so they may have considerable memory installed, multiple

WAN interface connections, and substantial onboard data processing routines. They may also provide connectivity to groups of file servers or other external networks.

Security
External networks must be carefully considered as part of the overall security strategy. Separate from the router may be a firewall or VPNhandling device, or the router may include these and other security functions. Many companies produced security-oriented routers, including Cisco Systems' PIX and ASA5500 series, Juniper's Netscreen, Watchguard's Firebox, Barracuda's variety of mail-oriented devices, and many others.

Core
In enterprises, a core router may provide a "collapsed backbone" interconnecting the distribution tier routers from multiple buildings of a campus, or large enterprise locations. They tend to be optimized for high bandwidth WIFI Wifi or WiFi, is a mechanism that allows an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly over a computer network. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player, can connect to a network resource such as the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point (orhotspot) has a range of about 20 meters (65 ft) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can comprise an area as small as a single room with walls that block radio signals or a large area, as much as many square miles, covered by multiple overlapping access points. "Wi-Fi" is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance and the brand name for products using the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. Only Wi-Fi products that complete Wi-Fi Alliance interoperabilitycertification testing successfully may use the "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED" designation and trademark A Wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router but also includes the functions of a wireless access point and a network switch. They are commonly used to allow access to theInternet or a computer network without the need for a cabled connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network), a wireless only LAN (WLAN), or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have the following characteristics: LAN ports which function in the same manner as the ports of a network switch A WAN port to connect to a wide area network, typically one with Internet access. External destinations are accessed using this port. If it is not used, many functions of the router will be bypassed. A wireless antenna allows connections from other wireless devices (NICs (network interface cards), wireless repeaters, wireless access points, and wireless bridges, for example), usually using the WiFi standard.

Some wireless routers also include a DSL or cable modem in addition to their other components.

Following is the list of companies that provide wireless routers Netgear

Cisco MicroTek Mac Ruckus

RUCKUS WIRELESS ROUTERS

The vast majority of the world is still waiting for broadband service. In the well-populated parts of developed countries, existing wireline phone and cable TV infrastructure made broadband relatively easy to offer, and availability is now very high. Everywhere else, the high costs of current options, such as deploying new wireline infrastructure or large-scale macro-cellular wireless models like WiMAX, are big barriers to further broadband subscriber growth. The Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi Broadband Access System is the industrys first and only complete end-to-end solution for last-mile access based on 802.11n and adaptive beamforming. It includes customer premise equipment, meshed Wi-Fi access points, high-speed wireless backhaul, and comprehensive network-wide element and service management. The solutions unrivaled performance in wireless broadband applications is driven by several factors:

outstanding wireless coverage, capacity, and interference rejection from the industry-leading performance of Ruckus smart antenna technology smart, hybrid meshing and simple point-to-point backhaul designs for straightforward deployment with no PhD in radio-frequency physics required smart QoS, for true carrier-class management of multi-play traffic and access control throughout the network large-scale success in the crucial test of real-world deployments