← Years 5–6 Digital Systems

Router

A device that directs data between networks, such as joining a home LAN to the internet and choosing the path data packets take. A home Wi-Fi router also shares the connection wirelessly.

Part of: 5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security — Module 29, 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 37, 9-10 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 9, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 2.1 Data Transmission Types and Methods — Module 15, IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 3.4 Network Hardware — Module 25, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Networks and Sharing Data — Module 5, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Wired and Wireless Networks — Module 8, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 7, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 31, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 15

Understanding Router in Years 5–6 Digital Systems

What it does: The router sits between the local network and the internet, so data passes through it to get from one to the other. The router looks at where each packet is going and picks the path to send it along. Routers choose a path for data packets so they can reach their destination. Many home routers include Wi-Fi, so phones, tablets and laptops can connect without cables. Routers send data towards the correct network. Displaying pictures is the job of an output device such as a monitor. A home Wi-Fi router joins the home LAN to the internet and also shares the connection wirelessly.

Common mistakes: A router chooses a path for each data packet. Line 3 should say 'choose best path for packet', not ignore the path. A router joins a LAN to the internet, not to a monitor. Line 2 should be 'router joins LAN to internet'.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 21–30) and word search (Modules 21–52).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning

Duo

What is the main job of a router?

Stores files for a computerDirects data between networks

Matches

A router only joins two devices in the same LAN, never the internet

↓

A router joins different networks, such as a home LAN and the internet. It is not limited to devices inside one LAN.

Applying

Meanings

Term

router

Meaning

A device that directs data between networks, such as joining a home LAN to the internet and choosing the path data packets take. A home Wi-Fi router also shares the connection wirelessly.

Practice

router = device that directs data

Testing

Gaps

A directs data between networks

Check Answer

Spots

2read destination IP address

3ignore the path for packet

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Quick Questions

1. What is the main job of a router?

A. Directs data between networks ✓

B. Stores files for a computer

A router directs data between networks, such as a home LAN and the internet.

2. Which device connects a home LAN to the internet?

A. Keyboard

B. Router ✓

A router joins your local network to the internet. A keyboard is an input device and does not connect networks.

3. When data packets travel across networks, what does a router do?

A. Chooses the path the packets take ✓

B. Turns the packets into paper copies

Routers choose a path for data packets so they can reach their destination.

4. A home Wi-Fi router can share the internet connection wirelessly.

A. False

B. True ✓

Many home routers include Wi-Fi, so phones, tablets and laptops can connect without cables.

5. Which two networks does a home router usually join together?

A. A home LAN and the internet ✓

B. A keyboard and a monitor

A home router connects the local area network in your house to the wider internet. A keyboard and monitor are devices, not networks.

Match the Pairs

router → A device that directs data between networks, such as a home LAN and the internet

home Wi-Fi router → A router that shares the internet connection wirelessly with devices in the home

A router connects a LAN to the internet → LAN <-> router <-> internet

A router chooses the path each data packet takes → packet -> router -> best path

A router only joins two devices in the same LAN, never the internet → A router joins different networks, such as a home LAN and the internet. It is not limited to devices inside one LAN.

A router stores all the files for the network → A router does not store files. It directs data packets between networks and chooses their path.

Key Term

router

A device that directs data between networks, such as joining a home LAN to the internet and choosing the path data packets take. A home Wi-Fi router also shares the connection wirelessly.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A router directs data between networks

Hint: Type the name of the device that directs data between networks

2. home LAN -> router -> internet

Hint: Type the large global network that a router joins the LAN to

3. A router chooses the path for each packet

Hint: Type the word for the route that data packets take

4. Wi-Fi router shares internet wirelessly

Hint: Type the wireless networking term used for a home router

5. Devices on a LAN connect to the router

Hint: Type the abbreviation for the local network inside a home

Spot the Error

Question 1

A packet arrives at router

B read destination IP address

C ignore the path for packet

D send packet along that path

Line C — A router chooses a path for each data packet. Line 3 should say 'choose best path for packet', not ignore the path.

Question 2

A home LAN has laptop and phone

B router joins LAN to a monitor

C internet gives LAN web access

Line B — A router joins a LAN to the internet, not to a monitor. Line 2 should be 'router joins LAN to internet'.

Question 3

A device = keyboard

B job = direct data

C joins = LAN and internet

Line A — The device that directs data between networks is a router, not a keyboard. Line 1 should be 'device = router'.

Question 4

A home Wi-Fi router prints pages

B phone connects wirelessly

C laptop connects wirelessly

Line A — A home Wi-Fi router shares the internet connection wirelessly. It does not print pages. Line 1 should be 'home Wi-Fi router shares net'.

Question 5

A packets = ['a', 'b', 'c']

B for p in packets:

C send_to_best_path(p

D print('done')

Line C — The function call is missing its closing bracket. Line 3 should be ' send_to_best_path(p)'.

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