What is a router and what can you use it for?

Written by Daniel

Edited on

17 May 2024

·

14:36

What is a router and what can you use it for?

A router forwards the inbound internet traffic to the right devices in your house. It does so via wireless WiFI and wired Ethernet connections. In this article, we'll explain which types of routers there are and what the advantages of the different types are.

Router vs modem

What's the difference between a router and a modem?

When the internet enters your house, your modem receives and processes the data. Your modem then shares that data with your router. After that, your router transfers all of the data to your other devices. Routers send data wirelessly via WiFI and wired via Ethernet. The products have Ethernet ports for this, which you can connect a cable to. You can connect the other side of the cable to your other devices.

What's the difference between a router and a modem?
WiFi mesh router

WiFi in your entire home

With your own router, you can always choose the best WiFi solution for you. Do you want WiFi throughout your house? Choose a mesh WiFi system. This is a router with multiple stations. You can spread them through your house, so you'll have proper WiFi everywhere. The WiFi points are connected to each other wirelessly. Because they constantly communicate, you'll always switch to the strongest connection. That way, your wireless internet will never fail.

View all mesh WiFi routers
Router with VPN

Advanced options

Do you want to set up your home network entirely according to your own liking? With your own router, you're not limited by your provider. This will give you access to all the settings. For example, you can make sure your children aren't able to visit unwanted websites. Or you can disconnect their devices after bed time. Do you want a router with VPN server? You can connect to your home network while you're on vacation too. The options are almost endless.

WiFi 6 mesh system

Connect more devices

Does the wireless internet connection fail when everyone goes online at the same time in your house? With your own router with WiFi 7, you'll no longer have this problem. WiFi 7 is the latest WiFi standard. It's made for families with a lot of people. With WiFi 7, it's no problem when everyone games or streams at the same time. You can even connect all your smart home devices effortlessly. With WiFi 7, your wireless internet remains fast and stable.

Fast WiFi

Faster wireless internet

Isn't your WiFi fast enough? You can prevent this with your own router too. This allows you to choose the speed yourself. Do you store photos on a network drive at home? Choose a router with the fastest connection. You'll be able to view them really fast that way. You'll also have a higher WiFi speed or the option to stream effortlessly in another room at the same time. Keep in mind that your internet connection won't become faster overall.

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Article by Daniel

Router Expert.

Daniel