There are 2 methods by which routing tables are maintained and kept in order. Routes - This refers to the lines by which data can travel across to reach the destination address.This is calculated in order to assign the data packet to the most efficient and cost-effective line. Metric - This refers to the efficiency of the possible routes for the data packet.Interface - This refers to the type of network interface that should be implemented in sending out the data packet onto its next destination.Next Hop - Based on the destination IP address on the data packet’s header, the next hop refers to where the data should be forwarded to next, in order to reach its destination.This piece of information is vital since it directs where a packet should be delivered. Destination - Data packets contain a header which carries the IP address of its final destination.Routing tables hold information on the destination, next hop, interface, metrics, and routes, that can be used to guide the data packet across communication lines and towards its destination. Routers rely on a routing table to identify where a data packet should be forwarded to. Thus, a Private IP address functions only for a router to be able to identify a device. This does not present a problem since the devices are separately linked to distinct routers with a specific public IP address. Devices within the network may have an identical private IP address as the devices at a neighbor’s home. Home or office routers have a private or local address that is taken from a reserved range of IP addresses. This device also acts as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ( DHCP) by distributing private IP addresses to the devices connected within the network. The router provides connections at the network level of a system and, thus, functions on the 3rd layer of the OSI model.
By mediating the connection between the modems and the devices in a local network, the router facilitates communication with the internet and within the network. Routers have several ports from which connections towards devices can be made to distribute the internet connection. The router establishes a private network by receiving the internet data from the modem, which is provided with a connection via cable, DSL, or other wired connections from an internet service provider. Physically, a router is connected to the modem and to other devices.