Routers

A router is similar to a bridge but can handle more complex types of communication between dissimilar networks.
Routers are usually employed by wide area networks which often connect networks using different communication protocols and dissimilar addressing schemes.
The routers work in the Network layer thus giving them the ability to understand the protocols being used to carry the data over the network.
Since routers can understand protocols they can use the rules to decide what to do with a specific data.
TCP/IP uses the term gateway to refer to routers.
When organizations use networks for different purposes routers are used in linking them.
A router can apply rules or filter data before accepting thus rejecting other data.
A router can be used to internetwork which can be alike or dislike.
An internetwork is composed of subnets or subnetworks which are identified by a unique network addresses.
It can route data serving one purpose over a certain set of network connections while routing other data over other connections.
The more detailed piece of data for forwards the longer that piece of data is delayed before being sent on to its destination.
The cost for acquiring highly configured routers needs faster and expensive hardware.