Routers are crucial for directing traffic between networks. They perform:
- Routing: Selecting optimal paths using protocols like OSPF, RIP, and IS-IS
- Forwarding: Delivering packets based on routing decisions
📋 Inside the Routing Table
The routing table includes destination IPs, netmasks, gateways, interfaces, and metrics to choose the best route.
🌐 Network Address Translation (NAT)
NAT converts private IPs into public ones, enabling private networks to communicate with the Internet.
🔁 Port Address Translation (PAT)
PAT maps multiple private IPs to one public IP by tracking individual port numbers, conserving address space.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Routers make the Internet possible by intelligently selecting paths and translating addresses between public and private networks.
