Ethernet routers
- an overview of Ethernet routers used in Ethernet LAN applications.
There are many items that are used within local area networks
to enable connections to be made in various ways and to enable the network to be
extended or operate in the required manner. A variety of items including
Ethernet switches, routers, hubs and more may be seen mentioned in literature as
well as being seen installed in local area networks. Of these the Ethernet
router is widely used and seen. These Ethernet routers are available very
cheaply from a variety of manufacturers and suppliers.
What is an Ethernet router?
Ethernet routers operate in a very similar manner to bridges
and switches in that they filter out unnecessary traffic. They differ in that
they concentrate on network (OSI Layer 3) functions rather than physical (OSI
Layer 1) functions.
Ethernet routers filter network traffic by dividing networks
logically into sub-networks and they only admit traffic destined to IP addresses
on those individual subnets.
By acting as a firewall, a router can prevent unwanted
packets from either entering or existing a network.
Ethernet routers are able to introduce security into a
system. The routers can be configured with an access list that defines which
protocols and hosts have access to a network. In many instances routers with an
ADSL or other external interface are used to provide a firewall for many remote
systems connected to the Internet.
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