What is a Network Router?

     

A router links computer networks to the Internet, so users can share information. Since the internet is one huge network made up of (nearly) millions of smaller networks, the use of routers is mandatory. They act as a dispatcher that ensures information arrives at its intended destination. Routers gauge how a message (or information) should be sent, by reading the recipient address and determining how to efficiently maintain the traffic flow of data packets (your info broken into bits) by finding the best route possible. It’s like using your GPS device to find the best route to the baseball game. You know the main highway will be full of traffic so your GPS device (router) will direct you on an alternate path.

One tool a router uses to decide where your Data Packets should go is a routing table. This table is a collection of information that includes connection priorities, rules for routine and special trafficking, and information on which connections lead to the diverse groups of addresses. They can be static or learned dynamically using routing protocols.

There are mainly two different kinds of Routers:

Broadband Routers: Broadband routers can be used to do several different types of things. They can be used to connect two different computers or to connect two computers to the Internet. They can also be used to create a phone connection. If you are using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, then you will need a broadband router to connect your Internet to your phone. These are often a special type of modem that will have both Ethernet and phone jacks

Wireless Routers: Wireless routers connect to your modem and create a wireless signal in your home or office. So, any computer within range can connect to your wireless router and use your broadband Internet for free. The only way to keep anyone from connecting to your system is to secure your router. A word of warning about wireless routers: Be sure your secure them, or you will be susceptible to hackers and identity thieves.

When buying a Router you will want to assess a few things:

• Is your network wired or will it need to include wireless?
• Which wireless standard does your network use? (802.11g, 802.11b, etc)
• How important is security to you?
• What speed do you need your network at?

A router is a specialized piece of equipment connected to more than one network, running software that allows the router to move data from one network to another. It is the backbone of the internet and directs your information to the appropriate locations you desire. When buying a router for your home or business it’s important to know what kind of router you need. We have helped many clients decipher what Router was the most efficient for their business. Determining the correct model is the first step to a productive network. Buying refurbished over New is a great way to keep up network speeds at a lower cost. As always our support team can help guide you through the selection and setup processes.