1. Data is separated into packets, which are smaller units.
2. Source and destination IP addresses are included in every packet.
3. The destination IP address is read by the router.
4. To find the next hop, it consults its routing table.
5. The packet is sent in the direction of its destination.
6. Until the target is reached, this procedure is repeated.
An explanation of the routing table:
A router’s database that holds data about network paths is called a routing table. It consists of outgoing interfaces, next-hop addresses, and destination networks.
For instance:
Next Hop Interface, Destination Network
192.168.1.0/24 Direct LAN 10.0.0.0/8 192.168.1.1 WAN 0.0.0.0/0 10.1.1.1 ISP