- An internet router is a computer and networking device that directs data traffic between different devices within a local network and the internet. It acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best path for data to travel so that it reaches its destination efficiently.
- Several companies are well-known for manufacturing internet routers, each offering a range of models catering to different needs, from home use to enterprise-level solutions, such as Cisco, Netgear, TP-Link, Asus and D-Link.
- To secure and stable network connection in the home or business, an internet router is far from enough, and some other Internet devices are indispensable for network function and optimisation.
An internet router serves as the central hub of a home or office network, managing the flow of data between connected devices and the wider internet, ensuring efficient, secure, and reliable connectivity.
What is an internet router?
An internet router is a computer and networking device that directs data traffic between different devices within a local network and the internet. It acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best path for data to travel so that it reaches its destination efficiently.
A router is connected to two or more data lines from different IP networks. When a data packet comes in on a line, the router reads the network address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey. Data packets are forwarded from one router to another through internetwork until reaching their destination node.
The most familiar type of IP routers are home and small office routers that forward IP packets between the home computers and the Internet. More sophisticated routers, such as enterprise routers, connect large business or ISP networks to powerful core routers that forward data at high speed along the optical fibre lines of the Internet backbone.
Routers can be built from standard computer parts but are mostly specialised purpose-built computers. Early routers used software-based forwarding, running on a CPU. More sophisticated devices use application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) to increase performance or add advanced filtering and firewall functionality.
When multiple routers are used in interconnected networks, the routers can exchange information about destination addresses using a routing protocol. Each router builds up a routing table, a list of routes, between two computer systems on the interconnected networks.
The software that runs the router is composed of two functional processing units that operate simultaneously, called planes. The control plane maintains a routing table that lists which route should be used to forward a data packet, and through which physical interface connection. The forwarding plane forwards the data packets between incoming and outgoing interface connections.
Also read: How does internet infrastructure work?
5 Companies that produce internet routers
Several companies are well-known for manufacturing internet routers, each offering a range of models catering to different needs, from home use to enterprise-level solutions. The following companies are some of the most recognised in the industry, providing a variety of routers that cater to different market segments and use cases.
1. Cisco Systems
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
Main Products: Cisco is a global leader in networking and telecommunications. Their product lineup includes enterprise routers, switches, security devices, wireless systems, and network management tools. Cisco’s ISR (Integrated Services Routers) and ASR (Aggregation Services Routers) series are widely used in large organisations.
2. Netgear
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
Main Products: Netgear focuses on networking hardware for home users, businesses, and service providers. Their product range includes wireless routers, modems, range extenders, and switches. The Nighthawk series is popular for high-performance home networking, especially for gaming and streaming.
3. TP-Link
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Main Products: TP-Link is a global manufacturer of networking products for consumer and business markets. Their offerings include wireless routers, modems, range extenders, powerline adapters, and switches. The Archer series is notable for its strong performance and affordability.
4. Asus
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Main Products: Asus is known for its wide range of electronics, including laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and networking devices. In the router market, they are recognised for high-performance models, especially the RT and ROG series, which are tailored for gamers and power users.
5. D-Link
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Main Products: D-Link provides networking solutions for home and business users, including routers, switches, IP cameras, and smart home devices. Their DIR series of routers are well-regarded for their ease of use and reliability.
Related devices that constitute network communication
To secure and stable network connection in the home or business, an internet router is far from enough, and some other Internet devices are indispensable for network function and optimisation. Each of these devices plays a specific role in managing, and securing network communications, helping to improve the overall efficiency and functionality of modern network infrastructure.
Also read: How to manage a network’s infrastructure?
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts digital data from a computer into the analogue signal required for transmission over traditional phone lines, cable systems, or fibre optics and vice versa. It is typically the device that connects directly to the ISP.
A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination. Unlike routers, switches do not route data to and from the internet.
A wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards. It extends the wireless coverage of an existing network.
A gateway is a network node that serves as an access point to another network, often involving different protocols. It is typically used to connect different types of networks, such as a local network to the internet.
A network-attached storage (NAS) device is a dedicated file storage system that provides centralised and shared access to data for networked devices. It is often used for data backups and sharing files.
A load balancer distributes network or application traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed, thereby improving performance and reliability.
In addition, there are repeaters, bridges, firewalls, VPN gateways and other common participation, play functions to ensure a secure network connection.
