A router is a key partof your home’s internet network. Thanks to it, your laptop, smartphone, smartTV, and other devices can connect to your home Wi-Fi.
With the right kind ofrouter, you can enjoy faster internet speeds, help protect your family fromcyberthreats and hackers, and avoid those maddening Wi-Fi dead spots.
You don’t have to be acomputer genius to know what kind of router you need. Simply understanding thebasics — such as a router definition and knowing what does a router do — willhelp you choose the right equipment for your home network.
How do routers work?
A typical home has arange of internet-connected devices — personal computers, tablets, smartphones,printers, thermostats, smart TVs, and more. Thanks to your router, thesedevices form a network. Your home router directs incoming and outgoinginternet traffic on that network in the fastest and most efficient way.
The informationtraveling on your home network could be anemail, a movie, or a live feed fromyour baby cam, each of which takes up varying amounts of bandwidth. Making surethat information is delivered quickly and correctly is a big task — and gettingbigger. As you add more and more devices — thinkInternet of Things— you are constantlyasking your router to do more.
Howmodems differ from routers
What is a router vs. amodem? It’s easy to get a router confused with a modem. But these two deviceshave very different jobs. In fact, without a modem, all you’d have is yourlocal network with no way to connect to the internet.
The modem’s job is tobring the internet service from your provider — often a cable or phone company —into your home. This service then connects to your router, which delivers internetconnectivity to your home network.
When most internetservice were was delivered over telephone lines — better known as dial-up internet —modems enabled communication between the digital devices in your home and theanalog signals used on telephone lines. Withhigher-speed internet connections,including cable and satellite, modems play a similar but different role.
What are the different types of routers?
When it comes to routers, there are only two typesyou’ll need to consider:
- Wireless routers. A wireless router connectsdirectly to a modem by a cable. This allows it to receive information from— and transmit information to — the internet. The router then creates andcommunicates with your home Wi-Fi network using built-in antennas. Thisprovides all the devices on your home network with internet access.
- Wired routers.A wired router connects directly to computers through wired connections. They usually have a port that connects to the modem to communicate with the internet. Another port — or ports — allows the wired router to connect to computers and other devices to distribute information.
What to look for in a router
Most internet service providers (ISPs) give you arouter and a modem — or a combination of the two — for a subscription fee that youtypically pay each month. These routers may not be the best fit for your usage,so you might consider purchasing one that works better for your needs. Beforebuying a router, here are a few things to look for.
Wi-Fi coverage
Wi-Fi signals within a home largely depend on thesize of the home and the barriers that prevent signals from reaching theirdestinations. Fireplaces, mirrors, and thick walls are just a few commonobstacles that block Wi-Fi signals. Look for a router that has the capabilityto reach the far corners of your home. Also, look for one that has amesh network— a systemthat uses a main router and a series of additional routers — toboost and extendthe Wi-Fi capabilitiesacross a home.
Wi-Fi performance
Router technology has changed over time. Make sureyou have a router that uses the latest technology and has updated firmware.MU-MIMO is one such new technology. It stands for multi-user, multiple-input,multiple-output technology. It allows Wi-Fi routers to communicate withmultiple devices simultaneously. This decreases the wait time and improvesnetwork speed.
Wi-Fi security
Cybercriminals can access your home network andinstallmalwareandvirusesin your devices. They can also spy on theinformation you are sending through email and the files you download. Cleverhackers can even crack your home Wi-Fi network to snatch yourpasswordandlog-in information to your online bank accounts and credit card portals.
Hackers work with an arsenal of tools to do this.Having a router that provides network-level protection could help blockcyberattacks at the port of entry. Look for a router that has built-in securityfeatures like automatic updates, device quarantine, and signed firmwareupdates. The more protection, the better.
Then, add an extra layer of protection with a VPN that encrypts the data you send and receive online and helps keep your personal information private.
Wi-Fi controls
Routers have become a very important part of theconnected home. Make sure you buy a router that you can control easily. Thelatest routers are easy to install and use. Some come with user-friendly appsthat help you with guest networks, parental controls, user time limits, andnetwork management.
Whether you are setting up a new router in your homeor upgrading an existing one, make sure you get to know all the workings ofyour new router and if it is designed to meet your needs.
Router FAQs
What does a router do?
A router connects devices such as your laptop,tablets, smartphones, and smart TV to your home internet network. Without it,your devices would not be able to connect to the internet.
Is a router the same as a modem?
No. Your Internet Service Provider – often a cable orphone company – will provide you with both a modem and a router. The modem isthe device that brings internet service from your provider to your home. Therouter then allows your devices to connect to this internet service.
Where do you get a router?
Your Internet Service Provider, which is often acable or phone company, will send you a router after you order your internetservice. You can also shop around for a router on your own if you prefer analternative type.
What barriers might hamper your Wi-Fi signal?
The placement of your router can play an importantrole in how strong your internet connection is and whether you encounter connectivity dead spots. That’s because fireplaces, mirrors, and thick wallsare just a few common obstacles that can block Wi-Fi signals. Make sure, then,to place your router so that these barriers don’t impede your connectivity.
What is a mesh network?
With amesh network, you’ll have one main router andadditional satellite routers that you can place throughout your home. This typeof set-up will boost the strength of your Wi-Fi signal and help avoidconnectivity dead spots.
Can a router help protect you from hackers?
Yes. Cybercriminals that crack your home Wi-Fi couldspy on your online activity or flood your devices with malware. Investing in arouter that provides network-level protection could help block cyberattacks atthe port of entry. Look for a router that has built-in security features likeautomatic updates, device quarantine, and signed firmware updates.
Your home network is only as secure as its weakest link. Give all your devices the ironclad protection they need with Norton 360 Deluxe, an all-encompassing privacy and security suite that will help block hackers and prevent malware. Plus, it features a built-in VPN to encrypt your online connection and help keep your internet activity private.
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- Alison Grace Johansen
- Freelance writer
Alison Grace Johansen is a freelance writer who covers cybersecurity and consumer topics. Her background includes law, corporate governance, and publishing.
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