Xpeed 320R, User Manual

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Chapter 8
IP Networking Basics
This section will provide you with an overview of IP networking concepts. If you
are new to the subject, this section will help you understand some of the concepts
and materials presented throughout the User’s Guide. You may also refer to the
Glossary for additional reference.
1. W
HAT IS A
R
OUTER
?
A router is a device that controls traffic between networks based on packet infor-
mation at the network layer and routing tables maintained by the router. The
router maintains the routing table by exchanging information with other routers in
the network. Using the information provided by the routing table, the router is
able to determine the best path for directing network traffic.
Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is a protocol used by a router to build and
maintain a map of the network. A router uses RIP to regularly update itself and
check for any changes to the routing table. RIP1 and RIP2, both supported by the
X320R, are popular protocols used by most routers.
Routers can vary in size and performance. The Xpeed 320R is a small office
router supporting IP routing between a DSL line and a Local Area Network
(LAN). It allows optimization of IP traffic between the LAN and the WAN.