Router Functions

• Determine optimum routing paths through a network
  • Lowest delay
  • Highest reliability

• Transport packets through the network
  • Examines destination address in packet
  • Makes a decision on which port to forward the packet through
  • Decision is based on the Routing Table

• Interconnected Routers exchange routing tables in order to maintain a clear picture of the network

• In a large network, the routing table updates can consume a lot of bandwidth
  • a protocol for route updates is required

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