A router or gateway is a network device that determines the optimal path for transmitting data from one network to another. Certain characteristics are common to all routers.
• Routers have the following components:
- CPU
- Motherboard
- RAM
- ROM
Routers have network adapters to which IP addresses are assigned.
• Routers may have these types of ports:
- Console port: The router uses a console port for the attachment of a terminal used for management, configuration, and control. A console port may not be found on all routers.
- Network port: The router has a number of network ports, including different LAN or WAN media ports.