Routers are similar to switches, but they have "route tables" built into them.  They are an integration of both hardware and software.  Routers determine where a packet should go next, depending on the destination.

Below are a few sites that give definitions and brief descriptions of routers:

• www.whatis.com  Router definition

• Router - in the WebEncyclopedia

Here are a few sites that give either tutorials or a more technical aspect of routers:

• Router Tutorial

• Nortel Router Technical Documentation

• Cisco Router Technical Documentation

• Example of Router in a network

• Router Tutorial

• Router White Papers from Ericsson

Finally, here are a few companies that sell routers, or provide services dealing with routers:

• Cisco

• Nortel

• 3Com

• GDS

• Global Data Systems

• Level One Communications

• Ericsson