Network Dictionary – Router

Note on Pronunciation: You say Rooter, I say Rowder. ((Note: Common Australian slang regards a rooter as something who performs the sexual act))

Define Router.

1. An opportunity to give Cisco a lot of money.

2. A networking device that forwards data units (known as packets) at Layer 3 of the OSI model. For all instances of routing except where the router is also a switch, in which case the router is not a switch or a router apparently, but a routing switch.

Or a Layer 3 switch. Sometimes.

Historically, a switch was actually a bridge but usually we consider a switch is a biggish bridge. That is, when the bridge has more than about five or six ports it’s commonly called a switch.

Oh frack it. What’s the point.