3.2.10 Types of routers
When a source device sends a packet to a remote destination device, the help of routers and routing is needed. A router is a device that routes traffic from the local network to devices on remote networks. A router is required because end devices do not maintain information on where to forward packets to reach remote destinations. A router is an intelligent device that collects information about the location of different networks. The router uses this information to determine the best path to reach those destinations, which is known as the routing process.
There are many types of infrastructure routers available.
Regardless of their function, sise, or complexity, all router models are essentially computers. Just like computers, tablets, and smart devices, routers also require the following:
- operating systems (OS)
- central processing units (CPU)
- input/output (I/O) interfaces
- memory.
| Cisco 819 ISR | Cisco 500 Series Wireless WPAN Industrial Routers | Cisco CRS Multichassis System | Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid |
| The Cisco 819 ISR (Integrated Services Router) gateway provides a rapidly deployable, highly available, reliable, and secure solution designed specifically for M2M applications. | Cisco 500 Series Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) Industrial Routers (IR500) provide unlicensed 915 MHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band WPAN communications. They help to enable a diverse set of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These include smart metering, smart grid, distribution automation, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and street lighting. | The Cisco CRS (Career Routing System) Multichassis System is the most widely deployed multichassis router, with over 1000 systems operating at many of the world's largest network operators. | The Cisco 2000 Series Connected Grid Router is designed specifically for the harsh, rugged environments often found in the energy and utility industries. |
The operating system used in Cisco devices is known as the Internetwork Operating System (IOS). Complete information on Cisco routers is available at the web page Routers [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .