Routers & Routing

State the function of a router in a packet-switched network.

A router forwards packets towards their destination between networks.

How does a router decide where to send a packet?

It examines the destination IP address and uses its routing table to select the next hop.

Which part of a packet does a router examine to determine its destination?

The destination IP address in the packet header.

Explain the purpose of a routing table.

It stores information about available routes and the next hop for different destination networks.

What is meant by the term "next hop"?

The next router or network device to which a packet is forwarded.

Describe the steps carried out by a router when forwarding a packet.

It receives the packet, examines the destination IP address, checks the routing table, selects a route and forwards the packet to the next hop.

How can routers avoid a congested or failed link?

They can use routing information to select an alternative route.

A packet passes through several routers. What happens at each router?

The router examines the destination IP address, checks its routing table, selects the next hop and forwards the packet.