Technology

What is a Router? Exploring the working principles, functions, and types of modern Routers

What is a router? A Wi-Fi router, also known as a Wi-Fi access point, is a device used to emit Wi-Fi signals for users to access and use the Internet. Nowadays, this device is present everywhere, from homes to companies, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and more, to meet the growing demand for Internet usage.

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8 January, 2024

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In this article, FPT Shop will take you through all the information about Router including what Router is, its operating principles, functions, types of Router, and how to use Router.

What is a Router?

A Router Wi-Fi is officially called a Wi-Fi router, but it is often referred to by more “common” names such as Wi-Fi transmitter, Wi-Fi device, or Wi-Fi head. As the name suggests, this device will emit Wi-Fi signals, allowing other smart devices such as TVs, computers, and smartphones to access and use the Internet.

Operating principles and functions of Wi-Fi Router

Operating principles of Router

To be able to function and broadcast Wi-Fi, a Router needs to connect to a Modem. This Modem will connect to the Internet service provider’s Internet line.

Wi-Fi Router and Modem will connect to each other through a network cable connected from the LAN port on the Modem, through LAN or WAN ports depending on the mode that the user is using. Devices in the network system will have their own IP and the Router will help route the path and transmit signals in the Internet environment.

The data transmission time of Wi-Fi Router is very fast, so it does not interrupt the transmission line or disconnect the connection when using the Internet. The Router is responsible for sending packets between 2 or more network systems. It acts as a Wi-Fi transmitter so that devices like phones, laptops, TVs, etc. can connect through this Wi-Fi signal.

Function of Router

After understanding what Router is and its operating principles, let’s explore its functions. Wi-Fi Router has the function of converting wired networks into wireless networks, so that mobile devices can easily connect with each other and access the Internet without limitations like using wired networks.

Advantages and disadvantages of Router

Advantages

Helps reduce network traffic.
Helps share Wi-Fi and connect networks with multiple devices.
Distributes data packets to reduce data Loads.
Provides connections between different network architectures.

Disadvantages

Network connection speed is reduced when many devices are connected.
A modem is required to share Wi-Fi.

Types of Wi-Fi Routers on the market today

Routers are currently divided into 5 main categories. The characteristics of each type are as follows:

Wired Router

Wired Router, also known as a wired Router, directly connects to a computer via a cable. At this time, one of the Router’s ports will connect to the Modem to receive Internet data packets, while the remaining ports will connect to the computer to distribute those data packets.

Wireless Router

This is a wireless Router that directly connects to the Modem via a cable to receive Internet data packets. However, instead of distributing data packets to the computer via a cable, it will distribute them by using one or more antennas. The Wireless Router will establish a wireless local network (Wi-Fi).

Virtual Router

Virtual Router, also known as a virtual Router. Unlike the above 2 types, the virtual Router acts as a default router for computers and devices to share networks. The virtual Router operates by using VRRP – Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol, and it will work when the main Router is faulty or disabled.

Core Router and Edge Router

Core Router is a wired or wireless Router that only has the ability to distribute Internet data packets within the same network.

Edge Router is also a wired or wireless Router, but it will distribute Internet data packets between one or more networks instead of distributing within the same network like a Core Router.

How to choose a good and suitable Wi-Fi Router

In today’s market, there are countless Wi-Fi Router devices, and not everyone knows how to choose the right product. Here are some tips that you can refer to:

Signal coverage

This is an important criterion that cannot be ignored when choosing a Router. You should choose a Wi-Fi Router that supports wall penetration if the space you use has thick walls or in densely populated areas, large offices.

Maximum connection speed

The maximum connection speed of the Router is the highest speed that the device can handle, usually ranging from about 150 Mbps to thousands of Mbps. This parameter depends on the package you choose as well as the service provider.

Bandwidth

Wi-Fi Routers can operate on the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth. The 2.4GHz bandwidth has a wider coverage range and is compatible with many devices, while the 5GHz bandwidth provides higher speed and is less susceptible to interference from other devices.

Security

Wi-Fi Routers usually support security methods such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2 to ensure the safety of the Wi-Fi network. You need to set a strong Wi-Fi network password to prevent unauthorized access to your network.

RAM and processor

Usually, only high-end Routers provide information about RAM and processors. If the RAM is larger and the processor is more powerful, the ability to process tasks will be faster and smoother.

Wi-Fi standards

Wi-Fi Routers comply with different Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax (also known as Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6). New Wi-Fi standards support faster data transfer speeds, higher security, and better processing capabilities for multiple connected devices.

Brand

There are many different Wi-Fi Router brands on the market. To ensure good quality, you should choose devices from TP-Link, Asus, Prolink,…

How to use Wi-Fi Router

Using a Wi-Fi Router is very simple, just prepare a LAN cable (8 cores), then plug one end into the Modem and the remaining end into the Wi-Fi Router to start broadcasting Wi-Fi for multiple devices.

Conclusion

Through this article, readers have understood what Router is and its characteristics, functions, operating principles, and classification. Hopefully, the information that FPT Shop has shared will be useful to you.