Types and Benefits of Routers

6 Types of Routers

The two basic types of routers are wired and wireless routers. 

However, we will also explore the other types available for specific requirements. From the simplest home routers to sophisticated enterprise models, each type is designed to meet specific needs and challenges in the world of networking.

1. Wireless Routers
2. Wired Routers
3. Edge Routers
4. Core Routers
5. VPN Routers
6. Virtual Routers

Wireless Routers 

Wireless routers, also known as Wi-Fi routers or WLAN devices, convert wired broadband data into radio signals to establish Wi-Fi networks for internet access, commonly used in homes and offices. They operate on the IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, integrating wireless access point functions with routers to transmit data wirelessly via antennas across various frequency bands. 

Wireless routers allow devices to connect to the network without physical cables. They are equipped with built-in wireless access points to enable devices to connect wirelessly to the network. One big advantage of wireless routers is they provide versatility and freedom to use between multiple devices and allow you to move freely between a boundary without disconnection. Wireless routers are widely used in both home and business environments, providing wireless connectivity and supporting multiple devices simultaneously.

Wired Routers

A wired router connects directly to a computer via an Ethernet cable, while featuring ports that link to a modem for receiving Internet packets, and another port connects to the computer to distribute the processed internet packets. Wired routers share data over cables, create wired local area networks (LANs), and provide network connectivity through physical wired connections. They are often used in environments where a stable, secure, and high-speed connection is required, such as in offices, data centres, and enterprise networks.

Ethernet broadband router is one of the most classic wired routers. It supports network address translation (NAT) technology, which allows multiple computers to connect to wired routers to share a single IP address. It is equipped with Ethernet ports to connect devices via network cables.

Edge Routers

An edge router, also known as a boundary router, whether wired or wireless, facilitates the distribution of data packets across multiple networks. Their primary role is to maintain seamless communication between different networks, typically connecting to Internet service providers (ISPs) or other organisational networks. They are used at the edge of a network where the network connects to external networks, such as the Internet or another organisation's network.

An edge router is responsible for routing data between the local network and external networks, implementing security measures, and managing traffic entering or leaving the network.

Core Routers

Core routers are high-end routers used in large-scale networks like internet service providers (ISPs) and major data centres. It could be wired or wireless routers that distribute data packets within networks but not between multiple networks. They are designed to become the backbone of the network and do the heavy lifting of data transfer, which is why they are usually high-performance.

Core routers are responsible for forwarding data at the core of the network, connecting multiple high-speed data links. It is designed for high throughput, low latency, and reliability to handle the massive traffic in backbone networks.

VPN Routers

A VPN router is essentially a normal gigabit router with VPN client software installed on it. VPN routers offer numerous benefits of VPN connections to all devices connected to them, making them an excellent choice for home, office, or company networks. It is powered by firmware, which allows the management of VPN connections and permits different gadgets or devices in your home or small office to connect to the VPN services.

VPN routers have emerged as a powerful solution to ensure network protection and prevent information leakage incidents. With technology evolving every day, VPN routers are becoming a popular choice among users seeking enhanced security and privacy for their networks.

Virtual Routers

A virtual router operates as a software-based solution that replicates the capabilities of a traditional physical router. A standard server can host it through virtualisation technology using shared hardware resources for processing and routing network traffic. Virtual routers provide a versatile and scalable solution, accommodating numerous virtual networks and tenants. These technologies are frequently employed in software-defined networking, network function virtualisation, and cloud computing settings to improve resource efficiency and simplify network administration.

7 Benefits of a Router

Here are some of the key benefits of using a router for businesses: 

1: Network Segmentation

Routers create separate network segments, isolating devices into different subnets. This improves security by limiting the spread of network issues and unauthorised access. Routers can divide the network into smaller segments, called collision domains and broadcast domains, which helps to reduce network traffic. This helps to ensure that data reaches its destination more quickly and reliably.

2: Network Address Translation (NAT)

Routers use NAT to translate between the public IP address provided by the internet service provider and the private IP addresses used on the local network, enabling multiple devices to share a single public IP address. The router can assign IP addresses to devices on the network, which makes it possible for different devices to communicate with each other. They can also use network protocols, like TCP/IP, to establish connections and ensure reliable transmission of data.

3: Improved Network Performance

Routers can manage network traffic, prioritise certain types of traffic (e.g., video streaming, online gaming), and provide features like Quality of Service (QoS) to optimise network performance. Routers can provide sophisticated routing, flow control, and traffic isolation capabilities. This allows network managers to control network traffic more effectively and ensure that data is delivered efficiently.

4: Firewall Security Protection

A router also provides network security features and allows you to set up wireless WiFi networks. Routers typically have a firewall component that helps protect the connected devices from external network threats and unauthorised access attempts.

5: Dynamic Routing and Expandability

Routers can automatically choose the best path for data to travel across the network using dynamic routing algorithms. This helps to optimise network performance and prevent congestion. Routers often have additional Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect more wired devices to the network and extend its reach.

6: Remote Access and Configurability

Many routers offer features like VPN (Virtual Private Network) support, allowing users to access the local network and resources from remote locations securely. Routers are highly configurable, which allows network managers to make policy-based routing decisions. This can help to improve network security, optimise performance, and ensure that network resources are used efficiently.

7: Wired and Wireless Connectivity

Many routers offer both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections, providing flexibility in how devices are connected. Routers connect multiple devices to a single internet connection, allowing all connected devices to access the internet simultaneously. They connect different types of networks, such as Ethernet and Token Ring, which allow devices to use different network protocols to communicate with each other.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of routers is essential to helping you scale your business network now and in the future. Whether for homes, small businesses or large enterprises, routers offer numerous benefits, so choosing the appropriate router is crucial for achieving optimal network performance throughout your facility.

For a comprehensive range of high-quality routers and networking solutions for your needs and preferences, check out our array of routers or contact our help desk for more information and guidance in choosing a router for your business and personal needs.