What is a router? Operating principle of Router

Routers are often used in crowded areas with many devices that need to connect and access online. Along with the Modem, this is also an important device in the Internet system. So, what specifically is a Router? What main functions does this device have? Join TipsMake to find the answer through the article below.

What is a router?

A router , or router , is a network device that forwards data packets to endpoint devices. Specifically, data after being packaged will be transferred from Router to Router through small networks until it reaches the destination device.

On the market today there are many types of Routers with connections ranging from simple to complex. Popular routers with affordable prices are often used for home internet connections. Many Routers with high prices are often Business Routers suitable for use by large businesses and organizations. Although there is a difference in price between different types of Routers, in terms of operating principles, they all share the same basic principles. 

Besides, you also need to pay attention to the concept of wifi router. This is a device that allows users to share their Internet connection with other devices using wifi waves. Thereby, users can access the internet to perform tasks such as reading newspapers, playing games, watching movies or doing daily online tasks on these devices. 

Operating principle of Wifi Router

In terms of structure, a Wifi Router will usually be equipped with a LAN port (with 1 or more ports), a WAN port (usually with 1 or 2 ports) and an antenna that transmits wifi signals (external or underground antenna). .

The operating principle of the Wifi Router is as follows : The Router will be connected to the Modem through a cable connecting the WAN/LAN port (of the Router) to the Lan port (of the Modem) . Then, the Modem needs to be connected to the network provider's Internet connection. Thanks to that, the Router device can receive network signals from the Modem and broadcast this signal to other devices.

These devices possess a unique IP address. Therefore, the Router has the function of routing and transmitting network signals in the environment to the device in the most accurate way.

In particular, the data transmission time in the Wifi Router is very short. Signals are transmitted almost immediately so there will be no impact, interruption or loss of connection when users access the Internet. 

In addition, the Wifi Router device is also responsible for sending packets between two or more networks. It can be said that the Router is like a point that broadcasts Wifi signals to receiving devices such as computers, smartphones or TVs that can simultaneously connect to the internet and perform tasks on demand.

Functions of Routers

The main functions of the Router can be listed as follows:

Supports wireless connection : The router shares wifi signals without the need for wires like traditional methods. Therefore, this device does not limit the number of users and access devices like a wired connection. In addition, the area where the Router is used also becomes neater when there are no longer cables connecting the Modem to the devices. 

Ensure data reaches the correct destination: During data packet transfer, the Router will assign a local IP address to each network device. Thanks to that, data is always transmitted to the right place, to the right device and is not lost in the network system.

The router ensures that each device is only marked with a unique IP number . So this device also takes on the task of returning data to the sender or sending its own data packet. Although the data packet processing process will take place individually, with its fast processing speed, the Router can still send and receive data almost at the same time on many devices.

Distinguish between Router and Modem

On the market today, most modern Modems are often equipped with integrated Routers, so the difference between these two devices is not paid much attention to by users. However, the Modem and Router both perform separate functions. 

Advantages and disadvantages of Routers

The Router possesses many outstanding advantages, helping user devices connect to internet signals more effectively in the operating area. Besides the advantages, this device also has some limitations that need to be overcome. Specifically:

Advantage

Below are some of the advantages that Router devices can perform in the process of transmitting signals to devices:

1. Router devices help share and connect to the internet with multiple devices and users at the same time, thereby improving work productivity.
2. This device allows the distribution of data packets in an organized manner, thereby reducing the traffic load used to transmit data.
3. Provides stable and fast connection signal transmission.
4. The Router device has the ability to automatically use a replacement unit in case the main unit cannot transfer data packets.
5. High compatibility when able to connect to many network architectures such as Ethernet & Token ring,.

Defect

Some limitations that the Router device still encounters during use include:

1. The connection process may be slower when there are many devices accessing at the same time.
2. The Router needs a Modem to share the Internet and cannot operate independently.

Classification of Routers

Currently, Router devices used and distributed to users exist in many different formats. Below are the common types of Routers that TipsMake shares with you: 

Wired Router

Wired Router , also known as wired Router, is a type of Router that uses cables to connect directly to a computer device. The way this type works is that a connection port on the Router will be connected to the Modem to receive Internet data packets. Another port will connect to the computer to share Internet data to serve user needs.

Regarding security, Wired Router uses a firewall (SPI) to ensure data security in the network environment.

Wireless router (Wireless Router)

Wireless Router or Wireless Router , is a type of Router that connects and receives Internet data packets from the Modem using a cable. It then uses one or more antennas to distribute the data to the devices. This type of Router provides a Wifi local network for users.

This is also the most commonly used type of Router in households using the network and accessing the internet. Most service providers distribute to users wireless routers with full standard features. However, Business Router is still the more optimal choice for businesses with good performance, many connection control features and high level of security.

Virtual router (Virtual Router)

Virtual Router , also known as Virtual Router , acts as the default router for devices sharing the same Internet network. In particular, Virtual Router will allow users to virtualize some functions on the cloud and distribute it as a service. Thanks to the integrated virtual router redundancy protocol (VRRP) , the virtual router will be activated when the main router fails or is disabled. 

This is the ideal type of Router for large businesses that need to use complex internet networks. The benefits of virtual routers are better flexibility and scalability along with low overhead costs. At the same time, this type of Router does not use much local network hardware, so it will reduce the work of managing the infrastructure system.

Core Routers and Edge Routers

With the Core Router type , this is a wired or wireless Router used only to distribute data packets within the same network system. Core Router is specialized for large businesses with many employees and branches such as service providers (T&T, Vodafone,.) or cloud providers (Google, Amazon,.). Small and medium-sized businesses usually do not need to use this type of Router.

As for Edge Router or Gateway Router, Gateway is a wired or wireless router used to distribute Internet data packets between one or more networks. However, for these data packets in the same network, this type of Router does not distribute. Because of this feature, Edge Router has optimal bandwidth and the ability to connect to many other routers to distribute data to user devices.

Edge Routers are often used to provide Wifi or for local network management. This type of Router is only equipped with an Ethernet port to connect to Internet data and other additional routers.

Instructions for choosing a suitable Wifi Router

To own a Wifi Router device that is both suitable in terms of features, work and usage needs as well as connection devices, users cannot ignore the important factors below: 

1. Broadcast range

The first is about broadcast range, this is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing to buy a Router. This factor is expressed through the number and performance of the Router antennas. It is best for users to choose to buy a Wifi Router capable of transmitting signals through walls for locations with thick wall surfaces, densely populated places or office areas with many partitions.

2. Router's maximum connection speed

The next factor you need to consider is the Router's maximum connection speed. It is known that the maximum processing speed of the Router ranges from 150 Mpbs to thousands of Mpbs and depends on many factors such as the package or service provider. 

3. Single band, dual band

And a third factor that users need to understand when buying a Router is single band, dual band. Band is the frequency at which Wifi networks operate and is divided into two main types: single band and dual band . 

Dual band is considered to have more stable and durable operation. However, in terms of cost, this type of frequency band has a quite high price. If you need long-term use and have plenty of money, you should choose dual band.

4. WiFi security

Wifi security factors need to be included in the attention list when buying a Router. To ensure user safety regarding data information, it is best to choose type WP2 . This type of Router is considered to have the most secure security capabilities. 

5. RAM, processor

In terms of RAM memory, only routers in the high-end segment provide additional RAM and processor capacity. The larger the RAM capacity and the more powerful the processor, the faster and smoother the tasks will be processed.

6. WiFi connection standard

When choosing a Router, users also need to pay attention to Wifi connection standards. The most popular ones on the market today are Routers with standard N and AC connections.

7. Product brand

The last factor that users need to pay attention to is the Router manufacturer. On the market today, there are many types of Wifi Routers with different designs and functions. Prices are also diverse, from affordable to high-end items depending on financial conditions. Therefore, users should refer to and understand some long-standing Router manufacturing and distribution brands such as Asus, D-Link, Tp-Link,.

Router User Guide

After purchasing the Router device, activating it is quite simple. The specific connection steps are as follows:

Step 1 : Users need to prepare a piece of LAN connection cable with 8 cores.
Step 2 : Plug one end of the cable into the socket of the Modem device and plug one end of the cable into the Wifi Router device . 

So, with just 2 simple steps above, the Router device can broadcast wifi signals or share ports for many devices to connect and use the network to perform work, study or entertainment tasks. mine. 

Epilogue

Router is an important device, effectively supporting users when using the internet. Hopefully the information that TipsMake has compiled above has helped you understand this device and choose the type of Router that suits your needs.

David Pac

Update 03 October 2023