Initially when I started learning networking, I understand the 'Switches' and 'Routers' are the core components of networking.
As I started getting more into networking, I started hearing different types of routers itself namely:
- Edge Router
- Border Router
- Core Router
- Interior Router
- Exterior Router
On what basis do they differentiate these routers and what different functionalities does each one of them perform apart from their primary function of routing?
Could someone please explain the difference clearly and help me in understanding these variations better?
Best Answer
These are not different types of routers, they are different roles. It usually depends on where, topologically, the device placed in the network. Edge routers, for example, are placed at the network edge, while a core router is, well..., in the core.
Routers all do the same thing: they forward packets based on layer 3 information. they might have additional functions, such as NAT, firewall, VOIP, but that is highly dependent on the particular network. One can't say that a particular role always performs NAT, for example.
If I had to make a blanket statement, the larger the network, the more the functions are separated. In a small network, one router might do everything.