Skip to content
Home » What is a router used for?

What is a router used for?

Getting rid of dead Wi-Fi zones around your house is what a router does. A router is a doctor your Internet needs. As the name suggests, a router provides a suitable ‘route’ to your Wi-Fi signals that allow them to travel large distances and end up in the right place without frequency drops or lags.

Speaking in more technical terms, a router is used to forward packets of data among different devices in the same system. Signals drop to 1 bar in the last bedroom? Install a router that covers your entire home without lacking in speed. Find the most suitable router for your home.

What is a router used for? How does a router work? What are the main operations of a router? What are the different types of routers? What is the difference between a modem and a router? All these questions will be answered in this article.

How does a router work?

As mentioned earlier, the primary purpose of a router is to share data. A router shares data packets among devices connected to the same network. This might be from one device to another device, or from our devices to the internet. Thanks to the latest beamforming technologies and Wi-Fi standards, a router makes sure that the data packets reach the desired locations without getting lost.

A router handles each data packet individually but the transfer rate is surprisingly so high that it takes a fraction of a second for the router to forward it from one device to another.

Ready to boost your Wi-Fi signals?

What are the 3 Main functions of a router?

Now let’s look at what is a router used for.

  1. Security:

One of the most important and primary functions of a router is to provide secure access and a network. This is one of the main differences between a modem and a router. Most routers nowadays are equipped with AiProtection and WPA3 that ensure safe and secure transfer of data from the internet to your device or from one device to another.

  • Coverage:

One of the biggest problems that people within a network face is fast and reliable coverage, especially when the network is wireless. Wireless signals tend to drop significantly over a larger area if not backed by a powerful router. This is why, when having to cover a large area, a router, or a combination of routers, called a Mesh System is used. Take a look at our list of Best Outdoor Long Range Wifi Extenders

  • Increasing Number of Devices in the network:

Too many active devices for your Modem to handle? Too many ‘bad signal’ complaints? The reason is that a modem alone is not capable of handling a lot of devices, in fact, a modem alone is not suitable for even up to 3 devices. Yes. On the other hand, many powerful routers allow you to connect 40, 50, or even more than 60 devices at a time! Overall, it can be said that a router is designed to improve your networking experience. From Providing security and large coverage to allowing more connections, a router is a single solution to multiple internet problems.

What is a router used for?

What are the Different Types of a router?

The 2 basic types of a router are wired routers and wireless routers.

Wired Router:

A wired router connects to a modem via an Ethernet cable. The router is then further connected with different devices with the help of separate cables that may create a LAN or link those devices to the Internet. A wired router receives data from a Modem and redistributes it to devices connected within the network, with the help of cables and ports. It is primarily used in small offices or homes.

Wired Router

Wireless Router:

A wireless router is also known as a Wi-Fi router/hub. It consists of antennas and wireless adapters allowing devices to form or join a network without a cable. A wireless router connects to your primary broadband line and forwards data packets to other devices in your home.

Wireless Router

What is the difference between a Router and a Modem?

Modems these days come with a built-in router, but it is not that strong. Modems and routers have distinct functions. The purpose of a modem is just to connect to the internet with the help of your Internet Service Provider while a router allows different devices to connect within a network.

Internet signals are different from the signals accepted and processed by smartphones and computers, which is why a modem is used as an intermediary conversion device.

A modem converts analog Internet signals into digital signals which are used by computers. Modems are often provided by your ISP.

To make it even simpler, a modem is the primary internet ‘provider’ while a router ‘reroutes’ the signals allowing more devices to connect to the network.

What is a Wi-Fi router?

 A router that connects devices to the internet is called a Wi-Fi router. The primary difference between a conventional router and a Wi-Fi router is that a Wi-Fi router deals with the internet as the main network. It Allows Internet signals to reach distant locations in the building, allowing more devices to connect and it even offers additional security, such as a firewall.

Have a look at some of the best Wi-Fi extenders for concrete walls.

Conclusion:

To sum it up, a router is a ‘must-have’ for every network. Every network is weak, vulnerable, and unreliable without a router. Therefore, it is advised to use a router for any type of network.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best location for a router?

For a wireless network, the router should be placed in a central place.

Are routers provided by ISP?

ISPs usually provide a modem, not a router. Most modems nowadays have a built-in router but it is not very powerful.