A router translates information from one network to another and it is similar to a super-intelligent bridge. Routers select the best path to route a message, based on the destination address and origin. It can direct traffic to prevent head-on collisions, and is smart enough to know when to direct traffic along back roads and shortcuts. While bridges know the addresses of all computers on each side of the network, routers know the addresses of computers, bridges, and other routers on the network.
