At Nomad Internet, we pride ourselves in providing high-speed and secured routers to keep you safely connected with rural Internet. But how well do you know your routers? This post takes a look into the working of this very important piece of technology.
What is a router?
A router is a device that has built-in technology to forward data packets between devices connected to the same network. The data sent could be from one device to another or from a single device to the Internet.
Just as the name implies, this equipment' routes' traffic to the Internet. That is, it serves as a medium of communication between the device and the Internet.
The kind of router installed in your home is important in determining the quality of the Internet service enjoyed. It also plays the role of safeguarding your home against cyberattacks and minimizing the frustrating Wi-Fi dead spots.
Types of routers
Generally, there are two types of routers classified based on how they connect to the end-devices - wired routers and wireless routers.
- Wired routers – These routers connect to your devices using wires. The routers are set up so that there is a port to which a link containing the Internet enters. There are other ports where you plug in LAN cables to your devices. These routers may be undesired for your home when you want to keep wires at bay.
- Wireless routers – Operate entirely on wireless connections. Once the link containing Internet plugs into the router, every other connection to this router is wireless. The router creates a Wi-Fi network that your devices connect to. This is effective because any device in our home with Wi-Fi capability can be connected. It is worth knowing the number of devices that connect to the router.
How does a router work?
The way a router works might be something to interest you. The router is built to create a local area network (LAN). Devices within reach of the router's signals or LAN cables connect to it.
Each of these devices is identified based on the IP address that it is assigned. An IP address is a four-part number (IPv4) representing a specific device as assigned by the router. Each device has a unique IP.
Routers have a CPU and memory required to process incoming and outgoing data. That is how they can get data from the Internet and pass it over to you, or also receive your requests and push them to the Internet. Even if many devices connect to it, they know where a given request comes from and how to route it.
What to consider in a router?
You should never hurry when choosing a router. Your decision goes hand in hand with the quality of the Internet experience at home. Even if you purchase unlimited Internet with the fastest speeds, a bad router may get you falsely blaming your ISP.
The following are the key things to keep in mind:
- Wi-Fi coverage
How far can the signals travel, and how big is your home? Are there thick walls, mirrors, and fireplaces that might act as obstacles to the Wi-Fi signals? If so, go for a router that can reach the furthest corner of your home. Nomad Internet carefully assesses your home to recommend the most viable router for installation.
- Performance
You need to choose a router that is based on modern technology and has firmware upgrade options. Remaining up to date ensures that most of your house's devices can seamlessly connect to the router. Nomad Internet routers are powered by the latest technologies to guarantee the desired network speed.
- Security
Hackers are roaming all over the Internet, identifying threats to explore and execute their malicious intent. They have mastered the tricks to install viruses and malware on your devices. Going for a Nomad Internet router offers network-level protection, a crucial way to keep them from accessing your gadgets. The routers feature device quarantine, automatic updates, and firmware updates, making your security a priority.
Conclusion
When choosing your ISP, the kind of router that they install in your home is equally important. Do not be duped by low-priced routers that only end up costing more in the long run. Choose quality over anything else. Nomad Internet closely works with you to help choose a top-quality router that does not over-stretch your budget.