Router (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)

Revision Note

James Woodhouse

Written by: James Woodhouse

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Router

What is a router?

  • The router is responsible for routing data packets between different networks

  • An example of data the router can direct is, sending internet traffic to the correct destination/devices in your home network

  • The router connects networks together, local area networks (LAN) to the wider internet which is a type of wide area network (WAN)

  • The router can manage and prioritise data traffic, which can help to keep connections stable

  • The router will assign IP addresses to the devices on the network

router
Image of a router
how data travels between networks
Image of how a router connects LANs to other networks

Worked Example

State 3 tasks carried out by a router [3]

To answer the question you must simply identify 3 tasks a router does

1 mark each to max 3 e.g.

  • Send and Receive packets of data

  • Connect a local network to the internet

  • Assign IP addresses to nodes/devices

  • Converts packets from one protocol to another

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James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.