What Is a Router?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn why a router is an essential piece of computer hardware and how you can maintain and troubleshoot it.

[Featured Image] An older women sits with her younger grandson at a table asking "what is a router?" He is showing her how a router works.

A router is an important piece of hardware that allows devices to connect to the internet. It enables you to access websites, play games, send emails, download documents, stream videos, and do anything else that requires an internet connection. It forwards packets of information from your internet provider to different devices to get connected, such as computers, laptops, and smartphones.

Types of routers

Routers come in two primary types: wireless and wired. Choose the one that best meets your needs or those of your clients. 

Wireless router

A wireless router allows you to connect to the internet with an antenna built into the device. As a result, wireless routers and devices can communicate back and forth via an internet connection. The router gets its internet connection through an Ethernet cable connected to a modem, a device your internet service provider places in your space to get internet.

You can operate an electronic device with Wi-Fi capabilities from anywhere in your proximity without remaining physically next to the router.

Wired router

A wired router requires you to physically connect your device to the router using an Ethernet cable plugged into each device for a wired connection. Your router also connects to your modem through an Ethernet cable.

A wired router allows you to have the same connection to the internet but does not allow you to move to different areas and stay connected. However, wired configurations tend to provide greater security and connection speed.

  • Server management

  • Router configurations

Learn more about routers

Wire and wireless routers are essential for connecting computers and other devices to the internet. Explore the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera to learn more about routers or start your IT career. The Professional Certificate covers the skills you need for an entry-level IT support position, including installing routers, troubleshooting router issues and making repairs, and other day-to-day support tasks. You’ll gain exclusive access to career resources like CV review, interview prep, and more upon completion. 

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