What is the difference between a router and a . The differences are linguistic. How to choose a router for creating a home network

The Internet world is full of all kinds of abbreviations and terms. Router and router, what's the difference? A common person, concerned about the need to connect all of his “devices” to global web, sooner or later you will encounter some confusion in the designation of the same device. In one store he will find a router with 4 LAN port Well, in another he will come across a router with WI-FI and for a moment it will seem that the problem has been solved and the difference is obvious. He adds 2 plus 2 and thinks he knows the difference between a router and a router. But the only difference is in the spelling, and the secret is simple. Router is an English word borrowed from Russian and means “router”. Bingo!

There is no difference between the concepts of “router” and “router”, since both words refer to exactly the same device.

The essence is simple: the device is designed to distribute network content in a small space, creating a certain information network within, for example, one apartment. The router performs an important function. The very concept of data transmission involves the processing of network segments. At the same time, the load on the network is significantly reduced, which is impossible to do with a simple switch or switch. This device, having one input, divides it into equal output parts, which significantly slows down the network speed.

A router is basically a small computer and redistributes content streams. Even with a heavy load on the local network, it is able to provide normal work users. This is a definite plus in favor of the router.

Hardware looks different

You can have a so-called “cord” at the entrance to the apartment if a fiber-optic cable is connected to the house and the brave fellows from Rostelecom, having made one single hole in the wall, connected the required wire to the router, or, in pure Russian, to the router. The rest of the Internet distribution consists of entangling the entire apartment with wires; fortunately, 4 LAN outputs are provided for this purpose. This is the most proven and reliable way, in which there are no “jambs” of the following method.
You can connect with using WI-FI router that has USB port, a 3G modem is inserted there. Internet distribution occurs in a combined way, that is, the computer can be connected traditionally, by wire, via a network card, but other devices (smart TVs, tablets, phones, etc.) are happy to connect via WI-FI. Some minus this method lies in the limited transmission of content due to a weak transmitting antenna and structural features. Those. The weak WI-FI may not reach the second floor.
The next method appeared relatively recently and requires special attention. These are the so-called “pure” 3G - 4G WI-FI routers. The devices have a SIM card slot inside and distribute mobile content. Moreover, you can have a miniature device that fits in your pocket and arrange a distribution via WI-FI for all those who suffer, or you can buy a more solid device, which will also have a familiar LAN port. This is for connecting a computer.

A thinking person who approaches the process of purchasing and installing a router responsibly should be guided by some principles and rules, compliance with which will lead to coordinated work all Internet-connected devices.

How to connect and configure a router

You need to find the installation location of the router. It should be equidistant from all potential users so that in the future WIFI signal was able to reach everyone who wanted it.

To enter the router settings, you should open any browser on your computer and type in address bar address of the web interface of your device model.

Setting up the router is very simple and intuitive. But it is still necessary to take some precautions. The first router setup involves entering WEB interface to the address indicated in the manual. Next you need to set passwords for the admin panel and WI-FI network

The next step is the most important for the subsequent work. The maestro provider, about whom not a word has yet been said, appears on stage. The login and password from the provider must be entered in the appropriate fields of the router menu. Information about this procedure is in the setup manual or (most likely) on the Internet.

Configuring the distribution itself, namely the DHCP protocol, which regulates the Internet connection. Basically, the router simulates one user who opens several different pages in the Internet.

After the router is configured, you need to remember to connect all the necessary wires to the LAN ports and check the distribution. If everything is done correctly, then LED lightening in WAN and this will confirm.

At any stage of the settings, errors and incorrect actions are possible, from which no one is immune. If the router is configured incorrectly or not as desired at first, there is always the possibility of rolling back to factory settings. Any model has small hole on the back panel. You need to insert a thin object into it and lightly press the reset button. The router will return to its original state.

Progress in the field of computer science is off the charts. The emergence of improved models is growing like a snowball. How to navigate, what to pay priority attention to when buying a router, some will help general tips presented below.

To return the router to factory settings, you must press the RESET button.

Price. No matter how trivial it sounds, you need to understand main principle, embedded in the definition price category. You can't buy a normal router for ridiculous money. In general, this rule works. What does a "normal" router mean? Here you need to remember that a router is a kind of small computer with your own processor, RAM and firewall. The latest devices already have a dual-core processor. That is, if you buy a simplified model, then accordingly you may miss out on a lot. There will be no USB connector for a flash drive, reduced output gain, no protection from network attacks, but you never know what else will happen. As a result, the Internet connection hangs, breaks and is unstable.
Reviews. People won't teach you bad things. As a rule, someone has already been burned by a purchase and has laid out their thoughts for everyone to see.
You need to pay attention to the stability of operation: does the device freeze, does the speed slow down, or perhaps does not reboot at all. IN in this case there is a weak “stuffing” of the router that cannot cope with the network load.
About WI-FI. The fact is that the speed specified in the router, for example, 150Mb/s, is the upload speed, which does not correspond to the device’s reception speed, especially if there are several of them.

Equally important specifications. There are several of them:

Random access memory (RAM) - from 128MB and higher, the more the better.
Processor frequency – from 240 MHz and higher, for productive work the frequency should be at the same level. The processor brand may be different, but it is advisable that it is also, as they say, known.
FLASH - memory, not less than 16 MB.

This is the main thing to rely on. In addition, it is advisable to determine how many consumers the router is designed for without loss of upload speed, how many built-in or external antennas it has, which ultimately affects the signal gain.

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Well-known, promoted brand. And this is not only for confidence in the purchase, there is also software support manufacturer in the form of various alternative firmware and improvements released to the market from time to time. You just have to go to the website of the brand of the same name and you will find a lot of options for how the device works, which makes life easier when the system “falls.” In this case, the non-name router is simply thrown away.

Buy a router in China and count on its adequacy in Russian networks not worth it.

There may be underwater rocks in the form, for example, of an untranslatable menu on Chinese. Or the inability to work in known 802.11 protocols. Either the absence of certain transmission frequencies, or their replacement with “Chinese” frequencies, in a word, you can get into a lot of trouble and it is not a fact that they will be overcome in the end.

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A few words in conclusion

As is clear, the difference between the devices is only in the name. But remember that the router must be modern, with support for 802.11b/g/n/a, with the ability to connect a 3G modem, with several WI-FI antennas. This must be famous model, promoted and tested on the Internet by more than one user, with its own website and the ability to replace firmware. Accordingly, the price for this “device” will not be small, for which you need to be prepared.

These days, any modern office must be equipped with a Wi-Fi router; moreover, almost all restaurants and cafeterias give their visitors the opportunity to connect wirelessly. wired network. And, of course, most users of the World Wide Web, when using the Internet in their homes and apartments, give preference to this particular technology. This is not difficult to explain: the point is that this technology allows to provide good internet connection several devices at once, without limiting yourself and others with wires.
You can find it in stores great amount routers that differ not only in price, but also in the strength of the outgoing signal, range, build quality and other parameters. How to choose the best one for yourself or for the office best wifi router?

First, you should determine for what purposes the wireless router will be used. If you need a powerful device that can provide fast and high-quality communication at a speed of at least 600 Mbit/s in a large room, then the Linksys EA6900 is suitable. This American brand, represented by Belkin International, is famous for its high-quality network products for office and home. The EA6900 is capable of providing an excellent signal with a maximum speed of 1300 Mbps. To improve the signal, this router uses beamforming technology. In addition, the Linksys EA6900 allows you to control your computer using another computer, tablet or smartphone from anywhere. This router is really good, the only thing that may confuse buyers is its price. average price This device costs about 12 thousand rubles. Therefore, not every user will be able to purchase it.

Asus RT-N66U can compete with this router. Thai Asus company needs no introduction, this brand has a large number of fans. The fact is that the company produces good products at a relatively low price. As for the RT-N66U router, it has large radius coatings, powerful signal in two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), two USB ports, practicality and compact size. With its help you can exchange files, transfer streaming video in HD quality and connect game consoles. For those wishing to purchase this device, it will cost approximately 5 thousand rubles.
For those who need a budget router, the small Tenda N3 is suitable. This Chinese company is one of the leaders in production network equipment, in China, more than 40% of all routers are produced by this company. Tenda N3 can provide several times better speed and coverage than other 802.11g routers. In addition, it can be easily connected and configured in just three steps. And its cost is only 700-800 rubles. Overall, this router is one of the best in its price range.

Choosing the best Wi-Fi router from those listed is difficult, since they differ greatly in price. However, the router from Asus can be considered the most optimal. It can provide excellent signal, wide coverage area, range additional functions, necessary modern users, and all this can be obtained for reasonable price. This universal device Suitable for any office, cafe, home or apartment.

A wireless network at home will no longer surprise anyone, because even if a person does not know how to use a computer, he creates it to access the Internet via his phone. However, many people think before laying a network, what is the difference between a router and a router that provide wireless connection, and which of these devices is better to buy?

The paradoxical fact is that this is the same type of device with the only difference being that in English it is called a router, which in Russian means router.

The main task of this device is to deliver transmitted packets by local or global network along the shortest route. It is worth noting that wireless technologies were not always present in the router, although similar devices have existed for a long time, but they were also used to ensure the transfer of information between several computers at once along a minimal path.

A router is installed at the end of one of the larger local or global networks, although Internet access is always provided here. Above this moment are used high speed technologies Internet access, such as satellite, cable or, and just a cable, the corresponding cable is inserted into the incoming connector.

It is worth noting that access to the global network to one computer or laptop and without a router, if there is an appropriate network card or switch ( similar situation may be at home), but this leads to increased vulnerability to unauthorized access. Therefore, some experts also call routers a hardware firewall. With its help, you can organize protection much better and prevent intruders from entering the system. If the user programmatically tries to secure own computer, then it spends a significant amount of system resources on this, which is not always good if the computer is not that powerful.

Routers can be various types. To avoid going into everything existing technologies, it should be noted that the input connector of the router may vary. For example, if access to the Internet is provided by DSL technology, the connector will be labeled RJ-12 (it is also called telephone), but if, then in this case it will be called RJ-45.

Combined solutions may also occur. Such models can be used not only to distribute traffic, but also provide telephone communication using IP telephony. If you are not sure about the correct choice of router, it is best to this issue ask the provider, or purchase it directly from them.

Nowadays there are practically no models that do not have a wireless signal. Although such routers still exist, they can be classified as specialized devices, main task which provide dedicated communication channels, for example, between company departments. More are suitable for home use and small businesses. simple models, which are also much cheaper. With their help, it is not necessary to lay a cable; it is enough to just bring into the room the one that comes from the provider. Laptops almost everywhere have wireless network cards, so you can access the Internet almost immediately. As for computers, similar components are sold for them, although most often the router is installed in close proximity to the computer and distribution will be carried out via an Ethernet cable. For mobile devices, connection can only be provided, so for each person this will be the only way to connect.

As for the settings, to access the Internet you need to consult directly with your provider on this issue. Here you can also find many other settings that will help protect your device as much as possible from unauthorized access. For example, you can install certain filters in them that will block incoming or outgoing traffic by certain addresses or allow access to only a few sites and deny access to the rest. You can also set speed limits to prevent the channel as a whole from falling if one of the users connected to the router began downloading without restrictions big file. You can find out more about the capabilities of the router in the manual, because some models may not have functions, but accordingly the price will be lower. But for all wireless routers it is very important to create a unique and complex password, without which it will be impossible to connect.

Finally, it is worth saying that you need to take into account the capabilities of wireless network cards, which are available on mobile devices, laptops. The fact is that the signal is transmitted according to certain standards: 802.11 AC, N, G. Each of them has different quality signal. But if the router and the connected device do not provide one or another standard, the connection will not be possible.

Uninformed users will not be able to immediately answer the question of how a router differs from a router. In order to determine the difference between these network devices, it is necessary to clearly define them.

Router or Router?

A router is a special network device that connects personal computers into a single local computer network. But the same definition can be given to a router. Router is an English word that is translated into Russian as router. The only difference is the origin of the word. In practice, consumers simply meet different variants spelling the same name network device.

A router and a router perform exactly the same functions. They are equipped with an input jack for connecting a twisted pair connector from a specific provider and four ports. True, there may be more ports. They will be required to connect devices via local network. The router and router are equipped with wireless transmitter Wi-Fi. A router, like a router, is a more intelligent device, unlike the same port concentrator. The router stores a table of addresses of computers that were connected to the device. Upon receipt external message The recipient's address is checked. If it is present in the table, the information is immediately transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, the data is completely deleted. This intelligent approach allows for more efficient use of resources and capabilities of the local network.

The problem of choosing a router or router

Specialized routers or routers are divided into household and industrial. Industrial routers are often used to organize corporate networks. But household routers are purchased regular users who are not well trained specialists. When choosing, they should pay attention to the router manufacturer. The preferred brands will be D-Link and Asus. Also important criterion choosing a router is maximum speed transmitting information over a wireless network.

When purchasing, be sure to check the package contents local device. In addition to the router, the box should contain: a power supply, a disk with software, a user manual and a twisted pair cord.

Let's start with the fact that these two devices are absolutely no different.

There is no difference between them. It’s just that a router is a “tracing paper” from English. And in Russian this word is translated as router. That's all. Both names refer to the same device.

This review will use both names so that by the end the user should have a full understanding of what this device does.

In packet-switched networks such as the Internet, a router is a device or (in some cases) software on the computer, which determines the best way to transmit the packet. His the main objective– deliver data to its destination.

The router connects networks. Based on its current understanding of the network state, and depending on the type of connection, the router acts as a dispatcher.

It decides which way to send each information packet. Wireless router can be anywhere.

The main thing is that it provides access to the Internet. A router is often part of a network switch.

How does a router work?

Typically, a packet may travel through a number of network points before arriving at its destination.

Routing is a function related to network level.

To put it in complex terms, standard model Ethernet programming, the interaction of open OSI systems models.

Edge Router

An edge router is a device located at the edge of a network that connects to other networks, global or local. In any case, Internet access is used.

For home and business users who need high-speed Internet connections such as cable, satellite or DSL connection, the device can act as a hardware firewall.

Many engineers believe that using such a gadget provides better protection from hacking than a firewall.

This is due to the fact that no computer receives Internet protocol addresses directly connected to the Internet.

This makes port scanning almost impossible. This technique often used by attackers to explore weaknesses in network security.

In addition, this device does not consume computer resources like a software firewall. Commercially produced routers are easy to install. They are available for wired or wireless networks.

Before we go deeper into the world wireless technologies, you must understand what a broadband connection is and how it works.

According to Dictionary.com, broadband systems have “high-speed, high-capacity data transmission facilities that can route signals from multiple independent Ethernet switches.

For this, a coaxial or fiber optic cable is used. The Internet is delivered by creating various traffic channels.

Broadband technology can support a wide range of frequencies. It is used to transmit data, voice and video over long distances.”

Types of routers

Routers perceive information that comes through broadband signal via a modem, decrypt it and deliver it to computers on the network.

The router also selects optimal route for the data package so you can quickly get the information.

Various types of routers have been designed in such a way that information coming through your broadband connection can be sent to various end devices, including your computer, phone and others.

There are several types of such gadgets. In order to properly configure the network, or at least understand what each type of router is responsible for, it is necessary to distinguish them by type.

Broadband Routers

Such hardware solutions that provide broadband Internet can be used not only for their intended purpose.

They can be used to connect two different computers or to connect two computers to the Internet. They can also be used to create telephone connections.

If you are using modern technologies, for example, technology voice communication via IP telephony (VoIP), then you will need a broadband router to connect the Internet to your phone.

This is often a special type of modem that will have Ethernet and telephone jacks.

While it may seem a little confusing, simply follow your VoIP provider's instructions and you'll be able to get your broadband router technology up and running in no time.

Typically, you should purchase a router from your internet service company. Only in this way can you take advantage complete package services.

Wireless routers

The wireless solution is connected to the modem and used to create wireless signal in your home or office.

This way, any computer can connect to your wireless gadget and allows you to use your broadband for free.

The only way to keep anyone from connecting to your system is to protect your router with a Wi-Fi password.

This is very important with wireless routers: make sure your wireless network is encrypted, otherwise you will be vulnerable to hackers and scammers.

In order to secure your router, you just need to open the Internet link WhatIsMyIPAddress.com and there you will see your IP address.

Then you need to log in to the web interface (user ID and password are provided in the instructions).

If wireless gadget configured by the administrator, he could change the basic login and password. As a last resort, you can reset the router to default settings. After this, you will have to configure the device from scratch.

Don't forget to change your ID and password, otherwise any attacker will be able to connect to your network.

It is important to change basic settings wireless network. You need to come up with a security key, and only then will your wireless network be secure.

Make sure you write down the encryption key. You should not save it anywhere on your computer.

It is better to write down the key in several places. When trying to access the Internet, each user will simply need to enter an access key. All modern devices passwords are saved, but still, it’s worth writing it down.

How do they work

IN technically, this is an Ethernet gateway device. It connects two or more networks. Any such gadget operates at the network layer of the OSI model.

This solution consists of a processor (CPU), several types of digital memory and an input/output device (also called input/output interfaces).

They function as dedicated computers that do not require a keyboard, mouse or display.

They all run on their own operating system.

Compared to operating systems general purpose, such as Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OS, operating system can limit which applications can be run on them.

These operating systems also require much less storage space. The most common operating systems are Cisco (iOS) and DD-WRT.

In these operating systems contained in a binary image of the firmware and additional OS, which is usually called firmware.

By storing configuration information in a part of memory called a routing table, routers can also filter both incoming and outgoing traffic. This is done based on sender and recipient addresses.

Solutions for corporate networks and the Internet

Back when home networks weren't so popular, hardware cost thousands of dollars.

Their setup and maintenance required special technical training. The services of specialists cost unimaginable money, and such specialists were worth their weight in gold.

The largest and most powerful network solutions then formed the basis of the modern Internet.

These gadgets had to manage many terabits of data passing through network Internet providers.

Home broadband

Routers became widespread when computers appeared in every home. Home Internet has become popular.

Early generations of home routers supported wired network connections using Ethernet cable. New wireless routers support Wi-Fi networks and via a wired connection.

The term "broadband router" refers to any home wired or wireless router, which is used to share a broadband Internet connection.

It's not uncommon for home routers to cost around $100 or less.

Their hardware costs are much lower than business-grade solutions. Their options are significantly limited.

As before, home gadgets provide many vital important functions home networks.

They provide:

home Internet for dozens of devices;
core home network, firewall and security features;
the ability to change router configuration settings from a web browser;
encryption and protection of your data online.

How to choose a router

There are many different types routers. Among the least expensive ones, the following devices are worth noting.

802.11 AC standard

Linksys EA6500: it's the first WiFi router from Linksys, which gives users full control over mobile wireless network in my house.

NETGEAR AC1750 (R6300): a good choice for large homes with big amount wireless devices.

802.11N standard

N300 from NETGEAR WNR2000: This is a quality router.

Its limited lifetime warranty means that if you encounter problems using it, you can contact NETGEAR to help fix the problem.

TP-LINK TL-WR841N: the best choice at a relatively inexpensive price. These devices are among the most sought after on the market.

The TL-WR841N router supports technology external antennas, which makes it capable of organizing a stable connection.

802.11G standard

NETGEAR WGR614: This is a top-notch router with wide range signal (suitable for houses with brick walls. The user receives a three-year warranty in the kit.

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G: The best decision in your class.

Linksys has long been considered a world leader in routers. This means you don't have to worry about slow loading pages.

conclusions

Setting up a router may seem a little confusing to the uninitiated user, but the results will be worth the time spent.

Regardless of which router you choose, you should give preference well-known manufacturers. They should have a representative office in your city.

It is important to check that the device is covered by the manufacturer's warranty before purchasing. Otherwise, in the event of a malfunction, the user may be left alone with his problem.

These are high-tech solutions. Without proper experience and knowledge, dealing with them can be problematic. But there is a solution.

Numerous forums and thematic sites offer information of any level. You just have to delve into the study of your specific situation.