Router
A router is a layer 3 device that
provides best path selection and switching of data packets. In order
to connect two different networks, a router must be used. Routers can
be used to segment LANs, creating smaller collision and broadcast
domains. But the most important use of routers is as the backbone
devices of WANs. Networks consisting of routers, all of which can
communicate using routing protocols, can be built to allow very
reliable and flexible delivery of data. They make the Internet
possible.
Brouter
A brouter (Bridging Router) is a
combination of both a router and a bridge: Acting as a router for
routable protocols and a bridge for non-routable protocols. It allows
the network to be able to resolve almost all of its connection
problems by using one device; therefore, it is very cost effective.
However, brouters are decreasing in prevalence, their functions are
being incorporated into separate categories of devices: Layer 3
routers and layer 2 switches.
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