What Is The Best Router? Here Is What You Need To Know

With many businesses’ using portable computers and mobile devices, many businesses have to start thinking more about their wireless network. A router is one piece of hardware that can make a wireless network possible. Today, we are going to talk about configuration and how it can dictate the reliability, strength, and security of your network. You will want to read this to determine what is the best router.

An Introduction to the Router

The router was developed almost 50 years ago but today’s router has become a huge part of all types of communication. From voice to video to data, routers are a main piece of technology for every business. 

In the later 1960s, the first router was developed by BBN. It was originally called the Interface Message Processor and it was built to be used on ARPAnet, which was one of the first early predecessors of the internet we know today. Not too much later in 1981, Bill Yeager of the Stanford Knowledge System Laboratory created and developed the code behind the first-ever multiple-protocol router. This led Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner to create the first Local Area Network, and then they launched Cisco Systems in 1984. 

What Is a Router?

A router is a device that acts as a connection to other devices on a network, supplying them with communication means with each other. Most have wireless capabilities that allow connections to be done without the machines being physically connected to the router.

While the router is wireless, there are usually two wires that need to always be connected to it. One is the power cord and the other one is the modem. The modem is the hardware piece that connects to an Internet connection. 

How Does It Work?

The router can emit a signal that can travel between 90 and 300 meters once the wires are connected. Routers are device-dependent. When a device is connected to a Wi-Fi signal, the connection is sent out from the router. Many products now even have wifi connections built-in, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You will also want to consider how many devices will need to be connected. 

Options and Features

The more options and features your router has, the better it will be. Here are a few you will want to be on the lookout for when looking for the right choice:

• Dual-band Wi-Fi – If a router comes with a 2.4 and 5GHz network, it is called a dual-band Wi-Fi connection. 
• Wireless On/Off Toggle – If there is a moment in which you have to troubleshoot or are having interference, your Wi-Fi might need to be disabled. Having an on and off toggle can make this easier.
• Detachable antennas – Some routers come with visible antennas while others have them internally. But sometimes you may need even more range, so a detachable antenna might be best for signal coverage and flexibility.
• IPv6 Support – With the internet supply of IPv4 addresses all used up, you will need to be able to support the use of IPv6 sites as well.

If you need help deciding, you can learn more about this by calling MyTek at 623-312-2440.