This way, many networks can interconnect. Routers examine the data destination address, extract, from it, the target network address, and decide, based on this network address, where to transfer the data. A router is actually a special computer which is dedicated to the task of interconnecting networks. It moves information from its source to its destination regardless of the middleware. This difference provides information to the router that the bridge doesn't have access to.
Routers have two major responsibilities Optimizing the routing paths.
A router uses a routing algorithm to determine the optimal path to the destination. Simplicity and low overhead - router algorithms must be as efficient as possible with minimum utilization overhead. An efficient algorithm is particularly important when using routing software on a limited resources computer. Robustness and stability - routers are located at network junction points, therefore they must be robust with the ability to handle unusual behavior of hardware and software components. Rapid convergence - routers must agree on the optimal paths over the net in order to avoid loops.