Eight Essential Features you need in a Business Router

A router is the heart of your network, so it deserves to be chosen with care. Any router will share your Internet connection between your computers and other network devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.), but better models offer features that will improve your network and your performance. Whether you are looking for a professional or consumer router, here are the eight most important features to look for.

Wi-Fi access point

Most consumer and SME routers have an integrated Wi-Fi access point (AP) to provide wireless network connections to PCs and other devices with Wi-Fi adapters. Additional access to extend the range of the router. A standalone access point can also add wireless functionality to a wired router. Different wireless standards are used, the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards are considered legacy standards. The IEEE 802.11n is the latest ratified standard and 802.11ac is in "draft" mode and final ratification is scheduled for the end of the year or early next year. There is a small possibility that devices based on this standard are not compatible with the final standard, but most people in the industry consider this event very unlikely.

Wireless routers work on one of two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band provides only three non-overlapping channels, so it can get congested very quickly. There are 23 non-overlapping channels available on the 5 GHz frequency band, so much less interference will occur when operating a network. Routers and access points capable of operating in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands are described as "dual-band" products.

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If you buy a router today, choose a model based on 802.11n or on the provisional version of 802.11ac.

Guest Wi-Fi access

Some consumer routers include what providers generally call wireless guest access. This feature allows you to broadcast a separate wireless network name (SSID) with security settings other than the primary wireless network. Since the two networks are practically separate, guests cannot see traffic or access computers on the main network. This allows you to easily offer visitors, contractors, and even public wireless access while keeping your private network safe.

Virtual LANs and multiple SSIDs

Many Business Router goes further by offering a simple wireless guest function. They will allow you to create multiple separate custom networks using the so-called Virtual LAN (VLAN). They will also allow multiple SSIDs to offer virtual wireless networks.

For example, you can create a management VLAN where you can share sensitive company information, a VLAN for regular employees to share files, and a VLAN for guests with limited Internet access. You can then assign the router's Ethernet ports to the desired VLAN and transmit a separate SSID for each VLAN. Or, if you are using 802.1X authentication, you can assign users to a VLAN and they will be dynamically connected to their VLAN when they connect to an Ethernet port or when they connect to a single SSID.

VPN Server and Client

Some enterprise-level routers include a virtual private network (VPN) server and/or client. Many providers market these devices as a VPN router. An integrated VPN service allows users to securely access the network and files while traveling or working from home. With an integrated VPN client, you can connect one router to another router with a VPN server to securely connect two networks together on the Internet, allowing you to share resources and network files between two or more physical locations.

USB port for printers or drives

Some consumer and professional routers include a USB port to share a USB printer or external drive with the network. This is useful if you do not already have a network-ready a printer that can be used by all network users or network-attached storage (NAS) for centralized file storage and sharing.

Malware and spam protection

Professional routers that include additional security features are commonly known as Unified Threat Management (UTM) gateways. They usually include antivirus, antispam and content filtering to block unsafe or inappropriate websites and emails. Although individual computers must always have an antivirus tool installed, a UTM the gateway can help detect malware before it reaches individual computers, offering double protection. Sometimes UTM gateways provide intrusion detection and prevention functionality to help block further threats on the local network or the Internet.

Dual or backup WAN port (or 4G support)

A Commercial Router that includes two WAN / Internet ports (or 4G support) offers another Internet connection for backup or load balancing. Connect the router to two cable or DSL lines from different service providers or connect a 4G USB adapter and you will have a backup connection in case of failure. Some routers allow you to increase Internet bandwidth by using both Internet connections simultaneously. This is commonly known as load balancing.

RADIUS Server

Some professional routers include a built-in Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server, which allows 802.1X authentication so you can use WPA or WPA2 corporate security mode for Wi-Fi. the pre-partition key (PSK) provided by traditional Router Services such as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Using RADIUS, you can assign each user a unique username and password, then change or revoke access in case a user leaves or loses its Wi-Fi device.