What Is a Router Table?

A router table is the part of a computer router that stores the information that gets sent to the different nodes of the computer network. These are necessary to keep the connection of the router with the network. The router table is stored either in the router itself or on one of the computers in the network as a file or database. The router table keeps the different routes mapped to the network, and when the router is in use, the table is consulted to find the best route to the Internet.

Features

The main feature of a router table is a database of information. The database stores all the ways that a router can connect to a network. When the router is in use the router reads the table and figures out the best way for the router to connect to the network or internet. Larger networks often have multiple router tables which categorize the different routes and nodes necessary to connect to the network. Small networks can be routed manually, but most networks require the use of a router table.

Function

The main function of a router table is to arrange the data in a computer network so that the router can connect to the network in the best possible and most efficient way possible. The reason that a router table is used is so that the network does not have to look for the best connection every time. This makes the connection time much faster, and eliminates a lot of waiting time and helps keep different networks in line.

Significance

Router tables are important for connection speed of various networks. One of the main purposes of a router table is to keep the connection pathways stored in the computer so that the router does not have to search for new connections every time. The database stored in the router table helps keep connection times down to several seconds, rather than several minutes or more. This is very important for networks that see a lot of use.

Benefits

The main benefit to a router table is the benefit of speed. Keeping the connection pathways stored in the router or on the computer helps the network run a lot more smoothly. Without the router table, the different nodes would get lost and they would have to be found by hand which would take several hours a day. Without a router table, a network connected wirelessly would not work.

Considerations

Since the router tables are so important to a network's connections, it is likely that they will continue to improve in the next few years. Connection speeds are always increasing, and this is partially due to the better router tables and database storage functions. Larger networks require larger router tables, which will also improve over the next few years. In the future, it might be possible to connect to any network from anywhere. This will make file sharing and other network tasks much easier.