Security is Everyone's Job
Routers are devices that connect different networks and forward data packets between them based on their destination addresses.
They are essential for the functioning of the internet and other networked systems.
There are different styles of routers depending on their purpose, performance, and features.
Processor: This is the central processing unit (CPU) of the router that executes the commands and processes the data packets in the operating system.
Memory: This is the storage space where the router keeps its configuration files, routing tables, firmware, and temporary data. There are different types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and flash memory.
Ports: These are the interfaces where the router connects to other devices or networks via cables or wireless signals. There are different types of ports such as WAN port, LAN port, USB port, console port, auxiliary port, SFP port, etc.
Antennas: These are the devices that transmit and receive wireless signals for the router’s Wi-Fi functionality. They can be either internal or external, depending on the router’s design.
Switching fabric: This is the component that connects the input ports with the output ports and allows for fast data transfer within the router.
Routing processor: This is the component that executes the routing protocols and algorithms and determines the best path for each data packet based on its destination address.
Home routers: These are the most common type of routers that are used by consumers to create a local area network (LAN) at home and connect it to the internet via a modem. Home routers usually have a wireless access point (WAP) that allows devices to connect to the network wirelessly. They also have several Ethernet ports for wired connections. Home routers typically support features such as firewall, parental controls, guest network, and VPN. Some examples of home routers are Netgear Nighthawk RAXE5001, Asus RT-AX86U, and Eero 6+
Server routers: These are routers that are designed to handle high-volume traffic and provide reliable connectivity for servers and data centers. Server routers often have multiple WAN ports that can aggregate bandwidth from different internet service providers (ISPs) and load balance the traffic. They also have advanced security features such as intrusion prevention system (IPS), denial-of-service (DoS) protection, and encryption. Some examples of server routers are Cisco ASR 1000 Series, Juniper MX Series, and Huawei NetEngine 8000 Series.
Enterprise routers: These are routers that are used by large organizations and businesses to connect their multiple LANs and WANs across different locations. Enterprise routers have high-performance processors and memory that can support complex routing protocols and policies. They also have modular design that allows for scalability and customization. Some examples of enterprise routers are Cisco ISR 4000 Series, HPE MSR3000 Series, and Dell EMC N3000 Series.
Gaming routers: These are routers that optimize the network performance for online gaming by prioritizing gaming traffic, reducing latency, and enhancing stability. They also have gaming-oriented features such as quality of service (QoS), game mode, and game accelerator. Some examples of gaming routers are Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro1, Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming XR1000, and TP-Link Archer AX11000.
Travel routers: These are routers that are portable and compact, allowing users to create a secure wireless network while traveling. They can connect to the internet via a wired Ethernet connection, a cellular network, or a public Wi-Fi hotspot. They also have features such as battery power, file sharing, and media streaming. Some examples of travel routers are RAVPower FileHub AC750, GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Slate, and TP-Link TL-WR902AC.
VPN routers: These are routers that have built-in VPN support, allowing users to encrypt their network traffic and access geo-restricted content or services. They can either use a pre-configured VPN service or allow users to install their own VPN client software. They also have features such as split tunneling, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Some examples of VPN routers are Linksys WRT3200ACM, Asus RT-AC86U, and InvizBox 2 Pro.