What is a Router? How to Choose a Router for Business

Routers are a common tool for modern network computing to connect employees to local networks or the Internet. Without a Router, we would not be able to connect to the Internet for work. In the following content, DNG Corp will inform you about what a router is? How to choose the right Router for your business.

To choose the right router for your business, we first need to understand what a router is? A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnets. This device is created to perform two main functions: manage traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses and allow multiple devices to connect to the same Internet network.

There are many types of routers, but most routers are used to transfer data between LANs (local area networks) and WANs (wide area networks). A LAN is a group of connected devices that are limited to a specific geographical area. A LAN usually requires a single router.

In contrast to a LAN, a WAN is a larger network that spans a large geographical area. For example, large organizations or companies that operate in multiple locations across the country will need separate LANs for each location, which are then connected to form a WAN. Since a WAN is spread over a large area, multiple routers and switches will be needed.

Note that network switches forward data packets between groups of devices on the same network, while routers forward data between different networks.

Once you understand what a router is, the question arises, how does a Router work? DNG Corp has compiled the information to give you the clearest view of how a Router works.

Routers have the function of guiding and controlling network data using packets that contain different types of data, such as files, communications, and simple transmissions like web interactions.

Data packets are divided into layers or sections, one of which carries identifying information such as the sender, data type, size, and most importantly, the destination IP (Internet Protocol) address. The router will read this layer and prioritize the data to choose the best route to use for each transmission.

To make it clearer, think of a router as an air traffic controller and data packets as planes headed to different airports. Just as each plane has only one destination and follows a single route, each packet needs to be routed to its destination as accurately and efficiently as possible. So, in the same way that an air traffic controller ensures that planes reach their destinations without getting lost or experiencing major disruptions along the way, a router helps forward data packets to their destination IP address.

To route packets efficiently, routers use an internal routing table – a list of paths to different network destinations. Routers first read the packet header to determine where it is going, then consult the routing table to find the most efficient path to that destination. Finally, they forward the packet to the next network in the path.

Used in corporate networks, routers connect employees to networks including local area networks and the Internet, where most essential business operations take place. Without routers, we would not be able to use the Internet to collaborate, communicate, or gather information.

Routers are also capable of providing security. Embedded firewalls and content filtering software help protect against unwanted content and malicious websites without affecting the user experience.

Furthermore, routers are not just for transferring data or connecting to the Internet. Most routers allow hard drives to be connected and used as servers for sharing files or printers that can then be accessed by any office computer with a network connection.

To connect a LAN to the Internet, a router needs to communicate with a modem. Check out the following routing protocols:

Unlike routers used in home or small business LANs, core routers are used primarily in large corporations and businesses to transport large volumes of data packets within their networks. Core routers operate at the “core” of the network and do not communicate with outside networks.

While core routers exclusively manage data traffic in large-scale networks, edge routers communicate with both core routers and external networks. Edge routers operate at the “edge” of the network and use BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to send and receive data from other LANs and WANs.

A distribution router, also known as an internal router, receives data from the edge router (or gateway) over a wired connection and sends that data to the end user, usually over Wifi.

A wireless router uses an Ethernet cable to connect to a modem. It distributes data by converting packets from binary code into radio signals, which it then broadcasts wirelessly using an antenna.

Wireless routers do not set up a LAN; instead, they create a WLAN (wireless local area network) to connect multiple devices wirelessly.

A virtual router is a software application that performs the same function as a standard hardware router. It can use the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to set up primary and secondary virtual routers in case one router fails.

Although some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may combine a router and a Modem into one device, they are not the same. Each plays a different role and is equally important in connecting networks.

Routers help form networks and manage the flow of data within and between those networks, while modems connect those networks to the Internet. The modem creates a connection to the Internet by converting the signal from the ISP into a digital signal that any connected device can understand. The router’s job is to help distribute this signal to multiple devices on the established network, allowing all of them to connect to the Internet at the same time.

For example, if person A has a router but no modem, he will be able to create a LAN and send data between devices on that network. However, he will not be able to connect that network to the Internet. On the other hand, person B has a modem but no router. She will be able to connect one device to the Internet (for example, her laptop at work), but will not be able to distribute that Internet connection to multiple devices (for example, her laptop and her smartphone). Meanwhile, person C has both a router and a modem. Now, person C can create a LAN with his desktop, tablet and smartphone and connect them all to the Internet at the same time.

Here are some tips from DNG Corp on how to choose the right router for your small business:

When choosing a router, pay attention to the number and type of ports (such as phone, Ethernet, cable, and USB) to ensure that you can connect the necessary devices. Although there may be unused ports, they will allow you to expand your network when needed.

Sufficient bandwidth is important for the user experience. It ensures maximum performance for multiple users: The more users, the more bandwidth is needed.

Businesses can grow their network by adding additional routers or hubs as needed, but be aware that insufficient bandwidth anywhere in the network can cause congestion.

Wifi is available, but there are different standards. The latest Wifi 6 (802.11ax) can deliver much higher speeds, even when multiple access points (such as additional devices or routers) are connected at the same time. Wifi 6 routers are backward compatible with older Wifi standards.

Users are allowed to set up and manage the system because most routers will provide a browser-based interface that connects directly to their router. However, many manufacturers have now developed their own mobile apps for their devices with intuitive interfaces and easier setup.

The router should be able to protect with WPA or WPA2 passwords, and some modern routers also have firewall software that constantly scans incoming data for potential malware and viruses.

Another important feature is MAC (Media Access Control) filtering, which uses device-specific IDs to screen users and create a whitelist or blacklist for network access.

It is recommended to choose routers that have at least one Power over Ethernet (PoE) port. PoE not only provides data but also power to external devices such as wireless access points, VoIP phones, cameras, and IP. PoE eliminates cabling and adds flexibility to the network.

Consider choosing routers that contain firmware that requires updates to maintain performance and security. Many brands produce routers that allow for automatic firmware updates, which is convenient because it happens in the background without you having to do anything.

This feature allows administrators to manage network traffic, guest networks, control rights, and security settings. This process is easier if the router configuration is managed from an app rather than a browser interface.

Guest Networks are an important extra layer of security when guests visiting your business need access to your Wi-Fi. Guest Networks limit access to your business devices and files, while still providing your guests with an Internet connection.

Combined with tools to monitor usage across all users, businesses can limit network usage to uplink or downlink, control certain types of usage (e.g. video streaming), and assign bandwidth to different users. This helps improve security and network monitoring.

If you’ve ever used Wi-Fi extenders, you may have noticed that they can be quite restrictive. They create multiple networks that do not communicate with each other as well as device incompatibility, leading to bandwidth congestion.

The solution to this problem is a mesh network. A mesh network allows businesses to place multiple Wifi transmitters in their offices, and use them on the same network. Unlike extenders that can be used with any wireless router, a mesh network requires a router with this capability built in.

Above is all the content about routers, as well as how to choose the right router for your business that we want to send to our readers.

DNG Corp is proud to be the leading unit trusted by many businesses and projects to provide comprehensive technology solutions in the field of security surveillance and ICT systems. For detailed advice on these solutions, contact us immediately via Hotline: 0983 959 796/ 0988 712 159 or Fanpage DNG Solution Distribution for the fastest support.