What Is a Router for Networks?

You're undoubtedly already familiar with words like network routers since the internet permeates our daily lives. However, you might still be unclear about the function of routers in modern networks. In fact, routers connect all networking devices as the network's central hub.

Your router has the power to build or break your network, even while your internet service provider (ISP) ultimately controls your speed and bandwidth limits. So it's important to choose the right one. 

This post will show you the basics of routers, including what they are, what they do, different types of routers, and how to buy one.

What Is a Router in Networking?

A router connects all the devices in a network so they can share a single Internet connection. It connects computers, printers, and other end devices to one another through Ethernet cables or a wireless connection.

You may then share that Internet connection among all of the devices in your network after connecting a router to the modem. Additionally, a router acts as the first line of defense in your security, protecting your computer system and data from any intrusion and attack.

The majority of routers offer four Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect four devices and use the switching feature to connect them. Users who require more connections than four can deploy a separate switch or upgrade to a router with more ports (up to 8 ports). Be aware that routers often contain firmware that should be updated as released by the router manufacturer.

How Does a Router Work?

At the most basic level, a router deals with network traffic. It connects a modem to other network devices to enable communication between them and the Internet. In this way, the router directs incoming and outgoing internet traffic on that network in the fastest and most efficient way.

Typically, a router connects to the modem's "Internet" or "WAN" port over a network connection, then connects to other network devices over another network cable.

To receive data packages from servers around the world, each router has a distinct (external) IP address, and every device on your network also receives a distinct (MAC) address. Your router keeps a database to record which device requested information from where whenever you attempt to access information online.

Types of Network Routers

Routers come in various types for use in different scenarios. Here we mainly introduce three types of routers: business network routers, broadband routers,s and VPN routers.

Business Network Routers

Business network routers are used to manage many terabits of data flowing through and between Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks. They are the largest and most powerful network routers from the Internet backbone.

Home Broadband Routers

Broadband router refers to any home wired or wireless router that is used for sharing a broadband Internet connection. The usage of two distinct computers or devices to connect to the Internet is only one example of the many activities that broadband routers may do. Home networks use broadband routers to connect computers to each other and to the Internet. The popular Voice over IP (VoIP) technology also demands a broadband router to connect the Internet and your phone.

VPN Routers

A VPN router can be seen as a normal Gigabit router that has VPN client software installed on it. Every device that connects to the VPN router is therefore protected by VPN. A VPN network router can protect multiple devices (computers, tablets, smartphones and etc) from one source, on one connection. If you want more privacy protection or to access websites that are only available in a certain region, it has become a new favorite for homes and enterprises.

     " Also Check-: Different Types of Routers in Networking

Choose the Right Router Based on the Parameters

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), flash memory, RAM, network interfaces, and console are some of the crucial router parameters. Let's see how they impact a router's performance.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is a processor that runs special software called an "operating system" (OS). The operating system manages the router's components and provides all the logical networking functions. Generally, a faster processor and more cores are better. FS.com ER-6 VPN router is built with Intel Atom D525 dual core processor for more stable and faster performance.

Flash Memory: It is where the operating system is stored, much resembling the hard disk drive in your computer. Flash memory retains content when the router is powered down or restarted. A router with larger flash memory and RAM capacity allow you to grow and extend your network more easily.

RAM: RAM on a router add more room to prevent network congestion and improve throughput. It is also used for caching ARP tables and other data to speed up the process of forwarding packets. Routers that have more RAM allow for more throughput as well. The ER-5 and ER-6 VPN routers have 4Gbit and 2Gbit RAM respectively, which should be more than capable for the average home or small business.

Network Interfaces: Interfaces on a router provide network connectivity to the router. A router typically has console ports for managing the router, and Ethernet ports for LAN and WAN connectivity.

Power Consumption: Routers don’t consume a lot of power - roughly 2 to 20 watts. You have to know the wattage of your specific router so it will not exceed your power budget.

     " Also Check: How to Choose the Best Small Business Router?

Conclusion

Understanding your router is merely the first step in setting up a network, but it's an important one. Routers became mainstream consumer devices when networks began to accumulate multiple computers and needed to enable Internet connection among them. We hope that by going over the fundamental facts and parameter analysis of routers, you will feel more at ease while selecting the appropriate kind of router.