At its most basic level, the definition of a router is a device that connects networks to each other, forwarding data packets from one location to another until they reach their destination. However, network technology has evolved, especially since the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI), and the role and the value of the router has grown significantly, offering enterprises additional functions such as enhanced network security, improved network efficiency and automated network management.
How does a router work?
Digital content is delivered across the enterprise network and the global internet in the form of packets. These packets contain the destination address – for example, an IP address if the data is going across the internet.
The router determines the fastest path (or route) for the packet to deliver its payload. This is similar to how a GPS app on a smartphone might calculate the fastest route to a destination with all of the turns and which roads to take, but also factoring in real-time traffic conditions.
One key difference is that each individual router along the way does not determine the complete route, but rather just the next connection on the way to the final destination. The router does this by consulting an internal routing table – a list of paths to various network destinations.
[Related: The OSI model explained and how to easily remember its 7 layers]
At their core, routers remain the central nervous system of network traffic management. They intelligently direct data packets across networks, ensuring information reaches its intended destination efficiently. Traditional routing protocols like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) rely on predefined paths and administrative configurations.
The router reads the packet’s header to determine where it needs to go, then forwards the packet to the next network router in the most efficient path. Many routers also include the ability to both inform other packets about which routes to take, or forward packets to different routes for a given destination based on current conditions (such as heavier network traffic). This is commonly known as dynamic routing or adaptive routing, compared to static routing in which routes through a network are generally the same paths.
What is a network router?
Network routers have long been a cornerstone of enterprise IT infrastructure. However, as AI transforms various aspects of technology, the role of routers is evolving. This article explores the impact of AI on networking and how network routers are adapting to this intelligent future.
What is the difference between a router and a switch?
Routers are sometimes confused with switches, which also offer forwarding and routing of network traffic, but have different purposes. Routers operate at Layer 3 –the network layer – and are basically used to connect networks to other networks.
[ Related: What is a network switch, and how does it work? ]
Switches, on the other hand, typically operate at Layer 2, connecting and sorting packets to distribute traffic to devices within the LAN. Some switches can operate on Layer 3, and some routers can perform switching tasks, but in general switches operate on the LAN, and routers typically connect LANs to the Internet and other routers on wide-area networks (WAN).
What are the different types of routers?
Routers come in many different sizes, depending on the number of devices that need to be attached, or the functionality of the router. In general, a router falls into one of the following categories:
- Core router: Typically used by large enterprises, ISPs and cloud service providers, these types of routers transmit high volumes of data packets within the network. Sometimes these core routers are part of the “Internet backbone.” They typically operate at the “core” of a network, hence their name.
- Edge router: An edge router is basically the router that communicates with core routers and external networks, typically residing at the “edge” of a network. These networks utilize Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to send and receive data from other LANs and WANs.
- Wired router: These routers typically include ethernet ports that allow for LAN connections for devices that use ethernet for their main networking connection. Other networking devices in a data center, as well as older desktop computers that do not have wireless functionality, will connect to a wired router.
- Wireless router: Similar to a wired router, these routers include a wireless radio that converts the digital signals into radio waves. A laptop or other mobile device will typically send data wirelessly to one of these routers. Within a large organization, wireless access points (not routers) help transmit data to a wired router before the data gets sent over the internet. However, some wide-area routers (such as a 4G or 5G wireless card that can be attached to a laptop) provide Internet connectivity, and include a wireless router inside them. For example, a smartphone that can share its 4G/5G connection with other users basically acts like a wireless router.
- Virtual router: Software applications that perform the same functions as a hardware router – this is typically used in software-defined networking (SDN)
What are some other functions of routers?
Increasingly, routers are performing additional functions for a business, with features either placed onto a router itself, or the router connecting other hardware devices to perform those tasks. For example:
- Firewall: Many routers include firewall functionality to prevent malicious traffic from entering the network, or they can attach a standalone firewall network device (in cases of larger businesses).
- Quality of service (QoS): For companies that need to prioritize specific types of traffic over others, such as videoconferencing over emails, QoS functionality can create those priorities (much like creating a high-occupancy vehicle lane on a highway that gives priority to carpools).
- Multiple network setups: Routers can create guest networks that provide internet access only, restricting access to other devices on a LAN, or routers can work with network access features that limit which end users on a network can access specific servers or computers on the LAN (such as restricting most employees from human resources servers or files).
The rise of AI networking
The exponential growth of data, coupled with the increasing complexity of enterprise networks, means routers need to get smarter. AI networking introduces machine learning algorithms to traditional routing protocols. These algorithms can analyze network traffic patterns, identify congestion points, and dynamically adjust routing paths for optimal performance.
Benefits of AI-powered network routers:
- Enhanced security: AI can detect and mitigate security threats in real-time by analyzing traffic patterns for anomalies. This proactive approach strengthens network defenses against cyberattacks.
- Improved network efficiency: AI-powered routers can optimize traffic flow by dynamically adjusting bandwidth allocation based on real-time demands. This reduces network congestion and ensures critical applications receive the necessary resources.
- Automated network management: AI can automate routine network management tasks, freeing up IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives. This includes tasks like anomaly detection, configuration optimization, and performance analysis.
Networking for AI: The router’s new role
AI is notoriously power-hungry and presents new demands on network infrastructure. AI applications often require high-bandwidth, low-latency connections to support massive data processing and real-time decision-making.
Network routers are being optimized to handle these specific needs. This includes features like:
- Support for emerging technologies: Some routers are being designed to accommodate high-speed protocols like NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) over Fabrics, which are crucial for efficient data transfer in AI environments. (Source:
- Resource allocation for AI workloads: AI workloads can be prioritized by network routers, ensuring they receive the bandwidth and processing power needed for optimal performance.
The future of network routers: A symbiotic relationship with AI
Network routers enjoy a symbiotic relationship with AI. AI will continue to enhance network intelligence, while routers will adapt to support the ever-growing demands of AI applications and large langue models (LLMs). This intelligent duo will be critical for ensuring the smooth operation and security and efficiency of enterprise IT infrastructures built upon the foundation of AI.
Source:: Network World