Routers

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Routers are key components in a network, they are more than just a box and flashing light. Simply speaking, they are the gateway to the digital world, forwarding data packets among various computer networks. But the main question is, What is a Router and How Does it Work? Routers in computer networking act as traffic directors, choosing the best available information to travel between the networks or across the networks.

Having said that, the exact role that routers play is still a mystery for many, causing problems for network administrators vis-à-vis which router best serves their needs. In this write-up, we will let you know the role that routers play. Moreover, we will also discuss their types so that you can choose the most suitable router for your home or office network. We first understand what a router does in a network and how a router manages the flow of network traffic.

How Does Router Work?

Overall, routers are responsible for connecting two data-switched networks or subnetworks. They then manage network traffic by sending data packets to their intended IP addresses. Routers also enable multiple devices to use the same IP address. They are different from network switches because network ethernet switches forward data packets among devices within the same network, whereas routers forward packets between networks.

Similar to an air traffic controller who makes sure that each plane reaches its intended destination without being lost or suffering from an accident, routers also make sure that each data packet reaches its intended destination. To accomplish this, routers reach the packet’s header to know its destination and then they consult the routing table to determine which path can lead to efficient transmission of data packets.

What Are the Main Functions of a Router:

Here are the key functions of a router in networking.

• Network Address Translation (NAT): 

Routers use this NAT function to allow multiple devices on the network to use a single public IP address for accessing the internet.

• Routing: 

Routers read and analyze data packets, determine their destination, consult the internal routing table, and choose an optimum path for them to reach their intended destinations.

• DHCP Servers: 

DHCP or dynamic host configuration protocol is another major function of the router. DHCP automatically allocates an IP address on devices and thus ensures efficient management of addresses.

• Firewall: 

Routers also have firewalls, providing protection to networks against unauthorized access and external threats. Similar to networking switches and other devices, routers also come in various types, offering unique capabilities and features.

Types of Routers in Networking 

There are many types of routers, each is designed to cater to specific needs.

• WiFi or Wireless Routers: 

Wireless routers connect to the modem through Ethernet cables. They convert packets in binary code into radio signals and then distribute data. Wireless routers use antennas to broadcast data to the devices. Hence, they don’t create Local Area Networks, instead, they create Virtual Local Area Networks. In VLAN, multiple devices are connected with each other through wireless communication.

• Wired Routers: 

Similar to WiFi routers, wired routers also connect to modem through Ethernet cables. But they don’t distribute data through wireless connectivity, instead, they distribute data to one or more devices through separate cables. They create a Local Area Network or LAN.

Specialized Types of Routers: 

In addition to the above-discussed routers, there are other types of routers as well which perform specialized functions in the network. For instance:

• Core Routers
• Edge Routers
• Virtual Routers.

Let’s discuss them one by one.

Core Routers: 

Core routers are for large organizations and networks which need to transmit a high volume of data. Since these routers operate at the core of the network and don’t communicate with external networks, they are dubbed core routers. They are suitable for highly-specialized tasks, requiring high-speed data routing among large networks.

Edge Routers: 

These routers are deployed to connect LAN to broader internet or other networks. In this way, they are capable of communicating with the core routers within network and external networks. Since they work at the edge of routers and deploy Border Gateway Protocols or BDP for sending and receiving data from other LANs and WANs, they are known as Edge Routers.

Virtual Routers: 

A virtual router is a software application implemented to perform functions as performed by a hardware router. They are equipped with VRRP or Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol for backup options in case of virtual router fails to perform its assigned tasks.

How to Choose a Right Router for Your Business: 

There are many factors that you must consider before choosing the right router for your business.

• Bandwidth: 

Needless to say, bandwidth must be sufficient enough to meet the needs of your users. Always choose a router that offers enough bandwidth for your networking needs.

• WiFi Standards: 

WiFi capability is given in routers, but you look for the latest WiFi standard. The latest standard is  Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) which is capable of delivering much higher speed than older standards. Look for the latest WiFi 6 standards which are backward compatible as well.

• Connectivity Options: 

The number and types of ports are also important considerations. You must ensure that routers possess USB ports, phone ports, cables, ethernet ports, etc. It is always desirable to have unused and surplus ports because they can help you expand your network in the future.

• Security: 

The router in question must provide WPA and WPA 2 password security. There should be MAC address filtering and Firewall protection as well.

• PoE Ports: 

You should choose a router that offers at least one PoE or Power Over Ethernet capabilities. PoE allows transmission of data and power through the same cable, allowing you to power your IP cameras, WAPs, and VoIP phones without cabling and other frustrations.

Wrapping Up: 

Routers are a critical component of any networking infrastructure. They are the gateway to the digital world and help your devices access the network. There are many types of routers such as WiFi routers, wired routers, edge routers, core routers, and virtual routers. Choosing the right router is critical, you need to take into consideration several factors such as security, connectivity, WiFi standards, bandwidth, guest networks, and QoS, among others, to make a final decision. Happy Routing!

Do You Need Any Help? 

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