Skip to content

What Is a Router?

A router is a networking device that directs data traffic between your home or office network and the internet. When you send a request online, such as loading a webpage or streaming a video, your router determines the best path for that data to travel and ensures the response gets back to the right device. 

Most routers serve two functions at once: they connect to your ISP’s network through a modem or built-in connection, and they create a local network that allows multiple devices to share that single internet connection. This is made possible by a process called NAT (Network Address Translation), which maps your devices’ private IP addresses to one public-facing address. 

Routers also provide basic security features, including a built-in firewall that filters incoming and outgoing traffic. Many modern routers support both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, making them the central hub for nearly all internet activity in a home or business.