How does a router work?

With wireless Internet connections becoming more and more desirable, the router is almost a household word. Many consumers don't really understand what a router does or everything it is used for. All they know is that it allows them to browse the Internet anywhere in their home without all the messy cords. This explanation is only partially correct; in actuality, a router is the technology behind all of the capability of the Internet.

A router is a piece of hardware used to route and forward information from one location to another. In companies and large corporations, a central computer system acts as a router to connect all of the company's computers to one network. This allows group participation and collaboration on large projects or just to connect all of the company's resources at one central location. It also aids in reliable communication between employees working on different floors in the building or in different countries.

For the Internet, a router allows the sending and receiving of data quickly. Downloading and uploading web pages and files are also handled by a router. Consumers become more and more dependent on the Internet, but didn't know what made it possible to access their favorite sites to shop online, send email, or to run their online business.

You can get the full official specification for how wireless routers work from the IEEE website (the professional organization that defines Wi-Fi)

http://standards.ieee.org/getieee802/download/802....

It's not exactly an easy read, but you did say you wanted the technical details- this is where they are.

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