Editing Router (computing) (section)

=== Access, core and distribution ===
[[File:OpenWRT 8.09.1 LuCI screenshot.png|thumb|A screenshot of the LuCI web interface used by [[OpenWrt]]. This page configures [[Dynamic DNS]].]]
The [[hierarchical internetworking model]] divides [[enterprise network]]s into three layers: core, distribution, and access.

Access routers, including [[small office/home office]] (SOHO) models, are located at home and customer sites such as branch offices that do not need [[hierarchical routing]] of their own. Typically, they are optimized for low cost. Some SOHO routers are capable of running alternative free Linux-based firmware like [[Tomato (firmware)|Tomato]], [[OpenWrt]], or [[DD-WRT]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=SOHO Network Requirements Planning and Implementation|url=https://www.examcollection.com/certification-training/network-plus-soho-network-requirements-planning-and-implementation.html|access-date=2021-03-25|website=ExamCollection|language=en}}</ref>

Distribution routers aggregate traffic from multiple access routers. Distribution routers are often responsible for enforcing quality of service across a [[wide area network]] (WAN), so they may have considerable memory installed, multiple WAN interface connections, and substantial onboard data processing routines. They may also provide connectivity to groups of file servers or other external networks.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-25|title=How Do WiFi Extenders Work? Repeater, Booster, Extender?|url=https://ispfamily.com/how-do-wifi-extenders-work/|access-date=2021-03-25|website=ISP Family|language=en-US}}</ref>

In enterprises, a [[core router]] may provide a [[collapsed backbone]] interconnecting the distribution tier routers from multiple buildings of a campus, or large enterprise locations. They tend to be optimized for high bandwidth but lack some of the features of edge routers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hierarchical Network Design Overview (1.1) > Cisco Networking Academy Connecting Networks Companion Guide: Hierarchical Network Design {{!}} Cisco Press|url=https://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=2202410&seqNum=4|access-date=2021-03-21|website=www.ciscopress.com}}</ref>