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[+44 330 383 8000](tel:+443303838000 "+44 330 383 8000") ![](/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](/gb/request-information "Write to us") ### Router [How a router functions](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-3) [The various types of routers](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-4) [Routers and telephony](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/router#section-5) # Router A router is a switching device for networks, which is able to route network packets, based on their addresses, to other [networks](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/telecommunication-networks) or [devices](/gb/gb/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)](/gb/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](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/atm) or [DSL](/gb/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)](/gb/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](/gb/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](/gb/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](/gb/en/products/cloudya) integrated within the devices. Analogue or digital telephones may be connected to them, as well as cordless [DECT](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/dect) phones or [Voice-over-IP phones](/gb/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](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/analogue-telephone-lines) or digital (ISDN) telephone network. ### Related Articles ### Virtual Private Network (VPN) A Virtual Private Network, abbreviated as VPN, makes it possible to build secure private connections over public access network infrastructures. Today VPNs are usually based on [Internet Protocol (IP)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/ip-address) and use the public Internet to establish the connection. Depending on the type and use, a VPN can be created between two terminals (computers), between a computer and a network or between two networks. In the latter case, the VPN connection of two routers is realised. The data transmitted within a VPN is encrypted and protected against unauthorised access in a sort of tunnel through the Internet. Encryption standards such as IPSec or TLS/SSL are used. Many private Internet routers now have VPN functionality and allow laptops, smart phones or tablets that are being used elsewhere to create a secure connection to the home network. This technology makes it possible, for example, to protect data transmitted to and from a public hotspot to a home network and to access the Internet from there. [Virtual Private Network (VPN)](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/virtual-private-network) ### Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) In telecommunications technology, the abbreviation ISDN stands for the technical term "Integrated Services Digital Network" and refers to a digital standard for telephone networks. As the name implies, various types of communication services can be transmitted through this kind of network. In addition to voice calls, ISDN allows packet-switched or circuit-switched data transmission and fax transmission. In some countries, ISDN technology has taken over from analogue telephone networks, integrating all types of services into a common network for the first time. This digitisation has also enabled digital ISDN phone lines to be made available to end users. In comparison to an analogue connection, an ISDN subscriber line offers a whole range of advantages. The basic ISDN line allows multiple phones or communication [devices](https://web-production.nfon.com/gb/products/devices), with different numbers ([MSNs](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/msn)), to operate and use two parallel connections simultaneously. In addition, the ISDN connection also offers higher data transfer rates to an analogue connection using a modem, for example, when accessing the Internet. To utilise the ISDN line, end users need special ISDN-capable phones or faxes. The use of so-called [A/B converters](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/a-b-interface), linking analogue devices to a digital connection, is common. Meanwhile, other techniques such as DSL or cable connections are used for connecting to the internet. 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