Types Of Router – 5 An Expert Explains

The core function of a router is to transfer data packets between networks. It connects different computers with the network to send data packets. A router needs at least two network connections to act. These networks can be between two LANs or a LAN and with a WAN.

There are different routers available out there in the market, including wired, wireless, edge, core, and virtual routers. Selecting the perfect and fastest route, a router can direct the data packets rapidly.

What Does A Router Do?

Routers are very simple in operation. Yes, it is a small device that you have place between your computer and the modem to transfer data packets. Taking the modem’s information and transferring these data to your computer is a router’s core purpose.

Other than that, a router can send or transfer data packets receiving from several networks and then direct to different computers that are connected by the router. To make it simpler, you can use different computers or mobile devices from different rooms at home but connect with just one router.

Types Of Router

As I have mentioned earlier, several different types of routers are available out there in the online and offline market. As they are different, their operation and utilization should also be different. Therefore, you don’t need to purchase any of them.

Considering your requirements, you have to purchase a router that will fulfill all your requirements, including running your computers, both laptops and desktops, and your mobile devices at home or office.

Wireless Routers

Connecting the internet using wireless signals is the core concept of wireless routers. You can find them mostly in offices as well as houses. These routers are capable of creating wireless signals so that you can cover the area that comes into its range.

• You can use laptops, desktops, and mobile devices using wireless routers.
• Internet providers can connect your wireless routers within their connection range.
• By turning on your laptop’s and mobile phone’s WiFi connection, you can connect to the wireless router using the password and ID.

Wired Routers

The main difference between a wireless and wired router is their kind of connection. As the name suggests, Wired routers need wire to connect the routers to your laptops and desktop computers.

• An Ethernet cable is needed to connected your laptops and computers in the case of wired router connections.
• It requires a separate connection to connect with the WiFi access point.
• Unlike a wireless router, you cannot connect your mobile devices without the help of VIOP (voice-over IP technology).

Edge Router

Connecting to the core routers, an edge router needs to sit at the edge of a network to access the internet to your laptops and mobile phones. You have the option to use wireless or wired connections by distributing internet data packets within one or more network connections.

• You need to connect it to the core router; therefore, you can get a high-speed internet experience.
• Wireless and wired connections are available for these edge routers.
• You can utilize the data packets for both your laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.

Core Routers

As the name suggests, it can operate the internet backbone or core. Ensuring the highest speed it can connect several telecommunication interfaces. All the platforms connected with core routers can forward the fastest IP packets.

• Core routers can support the protocol which has been used in the core.
• It has the ability to distribute data packets within each connected network.
• But it is unable to distribute data packets between these connected networks.

Virtual Routers

Any computer sharing network has the default virtual router function. The virtual routers’ function is as the virtual router redundancy protocol, which remains active if the primary or main router that supplies data packets between networks fails or disabled.

• To share a virtual IP address, it needs several networks. A master group handles each IP data packets.
• At the time of failing to forward data packets, another router receives the position.
• Virtual routers enable you to get a steady and reliable connection between your network hosts. So, it is capable of lowering the data load.

Note: We have just published an article about the benefits of router you may check to achieve more knowledge about the topic.

How To Choose A Router? 

You need a router but don’t know how to choose one that will fulfill your requirements, right? Well. You have to consider several different things before buying a router that actually helps you browse the internet on your laptops and mobile devices.

Multi-core processor and RAM

Your routers should have a multi-core processor inside; therefore, they will provide you with the best internet browsing experience. The more powerful the processor and RAM of your router will be, the better video streaming, file downloads, data backups.

Consider Dual-band

With the advancement of the technology-based world, single-band is now history in the era of routers. Dual-bands are now available out there in the market to give you the most convenient routes. It can send wireless signals on two frequencies to provide you the best internet browsing experience.

Real-life speed

Some routers have the specification on their box that they are robust in the section of routers speed. But actually, after installing the device, you may not get enough speed that should have got. In this case, you have to consider the real-life speed of the routers.

Smartphone app

The smartphone app will allow you to use the internet connection effortlessly from the routers to your mobile devices. All you need to do is download the app related to the router you have bought and connect with the internet to browse.

USB Port

At least one USB port, especially USB 3.0, is preferable to have in your router. Sometimes you may require to connect your external hard disks, printers, USB modem, and so forth with the router. Therefore, a USB port will assist you to do that for using these devices as well.

Note: Apart from this article, we have just published another relater article on the best router under 150 you may benefit from it.

Frequently Asked Question

Here are some most frequently asked queries so that you can understand better about the topic.

How many years does a router last?

Everything under the sun has its wear and tear. Therefore, it depends on your maintenance and take-care. However, your routers may continue their operation for three to four years.

Does having 2 routers increase Internet speed?

If your Wi-Fi is slow in connection, then you can get the advantage of connecting a router to the network to get better speed.

What is better AC or N routers?

Depending on your requirements, you have to consider one from AC or N routers. Both are ideal for internet networking.

Final Thought

From the several different routers out there in the market, you have to choose yours, depending on your requirements. You have to consider first where you will connect a router to the network for using the internet. You can use wireless routers for your home and office because you don’t have the issues with the gambled wires here and there.