Network RouterNetwork routers are the network devices and used for two purposes. One is to divide the larger networks into smaller network. Other is to connect smaller network to each other. Being a network equipment network routers are deployed at network layer. The third layer of OSI (open system international model). Network Router specification contains information about its protocol or network type support, and performance, some other variable features.

Network router Protocol specifications

Network routers are available in a variety especially depending upon network protocols. Network routers support both wireless and physical networks. Therefore routers are categorized as network routers and wireless network routers. Network routers support all the common network protocols. Sophisticated routers are available that support multi protocols. In common you can find network routers supporting TCP / IP, Apple Talk, and IPX. Because in such protocols router's efficiency is just accurate as required. In other options you can find CANbus, ATM, Frame Relay, ControlNet, Fieldbus, ARCNET, all standards of Ethernet, DeviceNet, FDDI, Fiber Channel, SONET, INTERBUS, PROFIBUS, Token Ring, xDSL, and ISDN (integrated services digital network). Moreover you can find routers supporting IP telephony.

Wireless network routers

Such routers contain specifications such as radio frequency support, wireless access points (WAPs), Bluetooth support, Wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.

Network Router Performance specification

Performance of a network router depends upon its data rate, memory, and number of ports.

Network Router Data Rate

Usually the data rate is associated with protocol specifications. It is the transfer speed of data from one network to other networks or among sub networks. Data rate is quite important because it is router that decides how fast the data transmission can be not the networks.

Network Router Memory

Most often data in a router needs to be stored such as error checking, data re-delivery, or security checking. Routers are also needs to be programmed. For example a router can be programmed to send data automatically or on certain command. For such purposes storage is required. Routers contain Flash and other storage options.

Network Router Ports and Interfaces

Numbers of ports define how much other equipment is allowed to connect with the router. In other words how large networks can be connected through routers is decided by the ports and interfaces. The type of interfaces define which equipment whether parallel or serial, industrial or local, or any other sort of equipment can be connected to the network router. In common you'll find serial ports, ISDN BRI (U, S/T), BNC, AUI, GBIC, RG 45, MIC, FireWire, and USB.

Network Routers Variable Features

The specification information mentioned above is common in various network routers. But there are certain features vary among the products. The difference is due to the various manufacturer designs and costs. Extra features may include routers with conserved space, mounting style, integrated firewalls, or indicators. Mostly you'll find routers in rack mounted forms. Indicators show various functions such as router is working or not, data is being transferred or stored, etc. LCD and LED indictors are common. Some sophisticated network routers contain integrated firewalls for security purposes.