Router Forwarding
Router forwarding is a mechanism used by network routers to deliver IP packets from one network interface to another. This process is typically done by examining the destination IP address of the packet and forwarding it accordingly to the correct interface.
To understand router forwarding, it is important to note that a router is a device that connects multiple networks together. Each network interface on a router is assigned an IP address that identifies it on the network.
When a packet arrives at a router, the router examines the destination IP address of the packet and looks at its routing table to determine the best path for the packet to reach its intended destination. The routing table contains a list of networks and the next hop router that can be used to reach those networks. If the router does not have an entry in its routing table for the destination network in the packet, it will drop the packet.
Router forwarding is crucial for the proper functioning of the internet. Without it, packets would not be able to reach their intended destination, and communication between networks would be impossible.
One important aspect of router forwarding is packet fragmentation. When a packet is too large to be transmitted over an interface in a single transmission, the packet is fragmented into multiple smaller packets. Each of these smaller packets is then forwarded individually to their destination and reassembled into the original packet.
In conclusion, router forwarding is a vital part of network communication. Without it, the internet as we know it would not exist. By examining destination IP addresses and using routing tables, routers are able to properly deliver packets to their intended destinations. It is an impressive feat of technology that we take for granted in our day-to-day lives.