A data forwarding method and a router are provided. The router includes: forwarding engines FEs, physical interface cards PICs, a first switch device and a second switch device, where the first switch device includes a primary first switch device and a standby first switch device, all the FEs are connected with each other via the first switch device, the FEs are connected to the PICs via the second switch device, the number of the FEs is at least two, the number of the PICs is at least two, and the number of the FEs is equal to the number of the PICs. Embodiments of the present invention could improve reliability of a system.