Ring networks connect computers by using an In and an Out port for data. Each computer sends information to the next computer down the wire. Data flows from one computer's Out port to the next computer's In port. In a network, a device that reads network layer packet headers and receives or forwards each packet accordingly. Routers connect LANs and WANs into internetworks, but must be able to process the network packets for specific types of network protocol.
Many routers process various packet types and therefore are termed multiprotocol routers.
The data in ROM chips is sometimes called firmware. Without special equipment, it is not possible to alter the contents of read-only memory chips, thus the name. ROMs are found in many types of computer add-in boards, as well as on motherboards. CPUs often have an internal section of ROM as well. A shorthand appended to a comment written in an online forum or e-mail.