What is a Router : To browse the Internet faster and connect your computers efficiently and safely, we tell you what a router is and which one to choose according to your needs.
Having a good internet connection has become vital in our lives for many reasons.
To optimize your navigation and make better use of your data, we will tell you what a router is for and what are different types exist.
What is a Router?
A router is a small device that creates the wireless connection bridge between your Internet service provider and the intelligent electronics in your home.
It allows linking various devices with the option of WiFi integrated into their design, such as cell phones, laptops, printers and televisions, among other devices that are beginning to swell the good universe of the Internet of Things.
The router has become a fundamental ally of connectivity, adding speed and efficiency and security for any network.
How a Router Works
In charge of managing the traffic that circulates through a network, this hardware device works using IP addresses, through which it determines where the data packets have to go.
When a machine or device has a specific IP address and detects it and determines that the box should go there, the interaction is established.
Internally, it is composed of a central processing unit, a RAM and a ROM memory:
- The processing unit is in charge of executing the operating system instructions, system startup, and addressing of functions.
- The operating system, IP routing table, and quick configuration files are stored in RAM.
- Bootstrap instructions, diagnostic software and the basic version of the operating system are stored in ROM memory.
It has management ports that are physical connectors in which, usually, a computer or terminal is connected.
At the same time, it has interfaces that are also physical ports that are responsible for sending and receiving data packets and are divided into LAN Interfaces and WAN Interfaces.
All this structure works together to provide an Internet connection without needing you to be attached to a network cable.
Types of Router
Depending on the connection needs, there are always several options to evaluate which router we should use, either from a primary network or one of high complexity and demand.
We detail some of the types of the router:
WiFi Router
it is the most basic of all. It is responsible for providing access to the local network and the Internet wirelessly to any connected device, be it laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers or storage disks, as long as they are within range. They are usually widely used in homes and offices.
Wireless Router
it has an advantage over the standard router since it works as an access point and as a router; that is, it offers the option of providing Internet service without the need for cabling.
4G-LTE Router
this type has an integrated 4G-LTE modem, making it a viable option for those places with no access to cable or fibre optics, but have mobile phone signal coverage.
This has allowed many rural areas to have Internet service. This model starts from its 4G connection to create an access point to which the supported devices will connect and work with a SIM card.
Dual Band Router
this type of router can operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. In some of them, you can select the band to work on and, in others, you can operate on both simultaneously.
It should be noted that these types of devices are prevalent today since they offer the advantage of altering the band if the 2.4 GHz band is very congested.
You can use the 5 GHz band and work more smoothly. The downside is that their coverage is less extensive.
MIFI Router
This allows you to connect several devices to a wifi router and is designed to work anywhere because it is portable. In this way, it grants internet access without the need to search for a public wifi network.
A fact: keep in mind that, for this type of device to work, it must have a mobile Internet service provider granted through the so-called sim card.
Best Routers, according to their use
We made a list of the best routers available according to the needs of each user to help you select which one is the best for you:
Netgear R7000P WiFi Router
ideal for your home. It can work in a double band and three streams with Band Steering, which automatically distributes all the connected devices between the two available bands.
This ensures that it will work efficiently and will not create a network crash.
ASUS Rapture GT-AC5300 WiFi Router
the gamer wave has caused technologies to adapt to the demands of this sector. This router is aimed primarily at gamers and has a unique and spectacular design: it has a quad-core processor that works at 1.8 GHz speed and 1 GB RAM. This gives the user a unique and reliable gaming experience.
TP-Link Archer C1200 AC1200 WiFi Router
This model is a bit more accessible but with excellent features. It operates in a dual-band offering the flexibility of the two networks.
Its transfer speed is 1200 Mbps. And its three multizone antennas offer incredible speeds even over long distances, allowing an office with several cubicles to be covered without problems.
Netgear AC810-100EUS Wireless WiFi Router
for those who like to be constantly on the go, this router can connect up to 15 devices simultaneously. It includes a color screen to configure it quickly, and its battery offers a range of up to 11 hours.
The Basic Configuration of a Router
Modify default password: this guarantees greater security because it prevents someone from connecting without permission.
Limit access to specific computers: through the MAC configuration, you can filter addresses, preventing unrecognized users from connecting to the network.
Configure the WIFI network: you must rename the WIFI network so that it is easier for you to distinguish it from the rest. In general, we see several networks available, and it is best to give it a name that is easy for you to identify.
Intrusion detection: most routers can verify the connected devices; in this way, you can monitor if any do not belong to those you know.
Set parental control: this function will allow you to set limits to the pages, defining which ones can be accessed and which ones cannot. This is to provide security for your children.
VIDEO: What is Router
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