What Is Routing? - 3Com LANPLEX 2500 EXTENDEDPLEX®2500 EXTENDED User Manual

B R
RIDGING AND OUTING IN THE
3
LAN S
®
PLEX YSTEM
This chapter shows how the LANplex® system operates in a subnetworked
routing environment and describes the LANplex routing methodology —
specifically, how the LANplex bridging and routing model compares with
traditional models.

What Is Routing?

Routing is the process of distributing packets over potentially dissimilar
networks. A router (also called a gateway) is the machine that accomplishes
this task. Routers are typically used to:
Connect enterprise networks together
Connect subnetworks (or client/server networks) to the enterprise network
Figure 3-1 shows where routers are typically used in a network.
The LANplex system performs routing that connects subnets to the
enterprise network, providing connectivity between devices within a
workgroup, department, or building.