For this course, the choice of whic

For this course, the choice of which router to deploy is determined by the Ethernet interfaces that match the technology of the switches at the center of the LAN. It is important to note that routers offer many services and features to the LAN. These services and features are covered in the more advanced courses.

Each LAN will have a router as its gateway connecting the LAN to other networks. Inside the LAN will be one or more hubs or switches to connect the end devices to the LAN.

Internetwork Devices

Routers are the primary devices used to interconnect networks. Each port on a router connects to a different network and routes packets between the networks. Routers have the ability to break up broadcast domains and collision domains.

Routers are also used to interconnect networks that use different technologies. They can have both LAN and WAN interfaces.

The router's LAN interfaces allow routers to connect to the LAN media. This is usually UTP cabling, but modules can be added for using fiber-optics. Depending on the series or model of router, there can be multiple interface types for connection of LAN and WAN cabling.