Routers are essentially “traffic cops” for your small business network. They keep data moving efficiently among multiple network sites as well as to your Internet service provider (ISP), and “translate” different media types and protocols. Different routers serve different types of business needs.

What do routers do?

To keep networks up and running, routers connect computers and other devices such as printers, allowing them to “talk” to each other. They analyze the data that’s sent over networks, change how it’s packaged, and then send it to another network or over a different type of network.

How do routers help a business run smoothly?

Routers connect your business to the outside world, protect critical business information from security threats, and even decide which computers get priority over others. They can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve security and customer service.

How do businesses use routers?

Routers manage all kinds of business communications, from data and voice to video and Wi-Fi access. How routers can help:

• Sharing business applications 

Routers can help you share business applications with workers, even those in different locations, so that everyone has equal access to critical tools and can improve their productivity. Routers can also provide access to advanced applications and enable useful business services, such as IP voice and videoconferencing.   

• Improving access to information

Workers need fast access to information so they can make better decisions. Routers help provide access, so workers have visibility into business data.  

• Enhancing customer service 

Today’s customers expect fast responses to their questions as well as personalized service. To meet these demands, businesses need responsive and reliable networks, which routers can provide.  

• Reducing operating costs 

Routing technology can positively impact your business’s bottom line–for example, saving money by using shared printers and servers that can be accessed by everyone on the network. With routers and a reliable network, you can grow your small business infrastructure without constantly replacing technology.

Types of routers:

Wired and wireless routers

These routers are mostly used in homes and small offices. Wired routers share data over cables and create wired local area networks (LANs), while wireless routers use antennas to share data and create wireless local area networks (WLANs).

• Edge routers  

This is a wired or wireless router that distributes data packets between one or more networks but not within a network. As their name indicates, edge routers are placed at the edge or boundary of networks, and typically connect to Internet service providers (ISPs) or other organizations’ networks. Their job is to keep your network communicating smoothly with other networks.  

• Core routers  

These wired or wireless routers distribute data packets within networks, but not between multiple networks. They’re designed to become the backbone of your network and do the heavy lifting of data transfer, which is why they’re usually high-performance.   

• Virtual routers  

Unlike physical routers, virtual routers are pieces of software that allow computers and servers to operate like routers. They’ll share data packets just as physical routers do. They can offer more flexibility than physical devices since they can be scaled as the business grows; they can also help get remote offices up and running on your network more quickly.