Router

A router is a networking device that forwards s between networks.

Description
The forwarding decision of a router is based on information and routing tables constructed by routing protocols, commonly TCP/IP. When configured in a for faster direct communication with devices, the router can be referred to as a "hub". When passing on signals to another similarly-configured hub, the router can be referred to as a "repeater". A router that connects s with differing layers or protocols (such as LocalTalk or Wi-Fi to Ethernet) can be referred to as a "bridge" or "gateway".

Usage by Apple
The first dedicated wireless router from Apple Computer is the AirPort Base Station, which was introduced at the Macworld Expo in New York City in July 1999. The market was eventually flooded by 3rd-party Wi-Fi routers that were compatible with the 802.11 protocols used by AirPort. The last AirPort Extreme Base Station was released in June 2013 and the development team was disbanded in 2016. Apple stopped selling routers from its AirPort line in 2018.

A wired internet connection can also be shared over Wi-Fi by any Mac running macOS or Mac OS X through the Sharing pane in System Preferences. Mac Pro and Xserve models with two built-in ethernet ports can function as a router over a wired network. In March 2011, Apple introduced Personal Hotpot to iOS 4.3, effectively turning any supported iPhone or iPad with cellular connectivity into a mobile wireless router.