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") ![](/images/getstarted-writetous-navbar-int_ZY7MOf.webp) ### Write to us Fill out our request form. Our experts will respond as soon as possible. [Write to us](/en/request-information "Write to us") ### Router [How a router functions](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-3) [The various types of routers](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-4) [Routers and telephony](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-5) A router is a switching device for networks, which is able to route network packets, based on their addresses, to other [networks](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/telecommunication-networks) or [devices](/en/products/devices). Among other things, they are used for Internet access, for coupling networks or for connecting branch offices to a central office via [VPN (Virtual Private Network)](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/virtual-private-network). Depending on the type they communicate using the various access protocols, such as Ethernet, [ATM](t3://record?identifier=tx_news&uid=7) or [DSL](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/sdsl-shdsl). In the OSI layer model, the switching of data packets through the router is based on the address on the network layer (layer 3). In addition to routers that use [Internet protocol (IP)](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/ip-address), there are multi-protocol routers, which also handle other network protocols. ### How a router functions A router has multiple interfaces and receives data packets through them. It evaluates the network addresses of the incoming packets and decides which interface to forward the packet to. It uses its local routing table for decision-making. This can be statically configured or calculated via dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP. ### The various types of routers Routers are optimised to suit a particular purpose, depending on their application. So-called backbone routers are high-performance routers of the carrier class, which route and forward packets with rapid speeds of several gigabits per second. They are housed in data centres, and may be as large as several 19-inch cabinets. For interfacing with networks of other providers, Internet service providers may use border routers or edge routers, which mainly use the routing protocol BGP. This routing protocol allows for the optimum the exchange of routes. Most of these routers also support the prioritisation of traffic via [Quality of Service](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/qos). For connecting to the Internet, access routers are used, which allow devices in a local area network to access Internet via DSL, cable, wireless or [ISDN](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/isdn). ### Routers and telephony Many Internet routers have additional functions for telephony. They often have full [telephone systems](/en/products/cloudya) integrated within the devices. Analogue or digital telephones may be connected to them, as well as cordless [DECT](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/dect) phones or [Voice-over-IP phones](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip), depending on the type. While a normal Internet connection provides sufficient access for VoIP telephony, routers with telephone systems for standard telephony need interfaces for access to the [analogue](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/analogue-telephone-lines) or digital (ISDN) telephone network. ### Related Articles ### Virtual Private Network (VPN) [Virtual Private Network (VPN)](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/virtual-private-network) ### Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) [Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)](/en/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/isdn) [Back](#) ![NFON Logo](/assets/logo-nfon.svg) News * [Events](https://www.nfon.com/en/news/events) * [Press](https://corporate.nfon.com/en/communication/) Customers * [Cloudya Login](https://start.cloudya.com/auth/login) * [Admin Portal](https://admin.nfon.com/) * [NFON Status](https://status.nfon.com/) About NFON * [Corporate](https://corporate.nfon.com/en/) * [Investor Relations](https://corporate.nfon.com/en/investor-relations/ir-at-a-glance/) * [Sustainability & ESG](https://corporate.nfon.com/en/sustainability/) * [Career](https://corporate.nfon.com/en/careers/) Legal * [GTC-SLA](/en/legal/gtc-sla) * [Legal Notice](/en/legal/legal-notice) * [Trust Center](https://www.nfon.com/en/trust-center/) * [Data Protection](/en/legal/data-protection) * [Cookie Settings](javascript:onclick=UC_UI.showSecondLayer()) © 2026 - NFON | All rights reserved.