A router is a network device that forwards data packets between networks. Its a network layer hardware device. For example a DSL router that connects to the Internet through an internet service provider.
Router is connects at least 2 networks (can be two LANs) and the ISP.
Router is used to transfer data from one network to another if both networks use same protocols.
It receives data in packets form and forwards the data to another router using a routing table. These data packets can be sent between devices or from devices to the internet.
The routing table is used to choose the optimal path for forwarding the packets between the source and destination hosts. Routing table configure the best route a packet can take to reach its destination using routing protocols. A Routing Protocol defines how routers connect with each other and share information that makes them choose routes on a computer network between source and destination. Routing tables can be configured statically (routes are fed manually) or dynamically (routes are updated based on information obtained from other routers).
Router makes sure that the data packets reach right destination instead of being lost within the network and it also strengthen signals before transmitting them.
Routers reduce broadcast traffic. They form boundaries between broadcast domains and separate a network into multiple broadcast domains.
Router do not broadcast traffic and eliminates the packet when it detects a broadcast address. Routers also stop broadcast messages and don't route a broadcast message between broadcast domains.
