Routers: What do they do?
Routers sit at the center of every business network. Here is what they do, in plain language.
Routing traffic
Routers are complex devices that serve several purposes in connecting devices on a network. The easiest way to understand them is the word they come from: route. At a very high level, a router sends network traffic from one place to another.
The other jobs a router does
- DHCP server. DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It hands out IP addresses to any IP-enabled device so it can join the network and talk to other devices on it.
- Firewall. In the real world, a firewall stops harm on one side from reaching the other when a fire breaks out. In a router, the firewall protects traffic on both sides from leaking out. Rules let specific traffic through the wall.
- Switch and access point. Some modern routers include a built-in switch and access points. Switches let more devices connect physically, and access points let wireless devices connect over Wi-Fi, without buying extra equipment.
Home routers and business routers
Routers come in many sizes and prices, depending on what you need. A business will want a router that can handle all the traffic flowing through its network, with a better firewall than the ones found in typical households.
Routers really are the backbone of a network
If you represent a business and would like to talk about routers for your office, get in touch. We are happy to explain what you need and what you do not.
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