What is a computer router?

A computer router is a device that connects computer networks together by forwarding data packets so that users may share the connection. A router is not required to use a computer, but it provides the ability to use two computers without having separate Internet connections.

A home router typically contains a router, network switch and Wi-Fi in one device. This lets users connect wirelessly to the Internet and provides an additional level of security to home networks. Businesses typically use an enterprise router that can handle a large amount of traffic. These can also analyze traffic load and congestion to determine which port to use to forward packets.