Differences between a router and a router. Buy a router or router, the right choice

A considerable number of people who use wi-fi Internet are wondering: how is a router different from a router? Apparently, this confusion came from the manufacturers network equipment and owners of online stores who indicate on their price tags the name router, router, router.

So what exactly is the difference between them? In fact, nothing. The English word Router is translated into Russian as a router. That is, in practice, we simply encounter several spellings of the same name.

A router is a network device that forwards data packets to network segments. Speaking more in simple language, this is a device that allows you to connect several computers to one access point. Advanced models have additional functions such as turning on firewall, traffic encryption, restricting access to potentially dangerous sites.

When several computers are connected through a router, a local network, with Internet access. An inexpensive router usually has 4 ports, allowing you to connect 4 devices to it via cable.

A standard wi-fi router is equipped with a hardware unit, an antenna, a power supply and a patch cord, also called a patch cord. The use of this device allows you to connect up to 10 devices to the Internet.

Please note that when using budget router, connect to the network large number computers is strongly not recommended. This can lead to freezes. In addition, its performance drops significantly.

Some models have USB port. This allows you to connect hard drive or flash drive, similar file server. You can connect a 3G modem to the router; in this case, 3G Internet will be distributed through the router. A printer connected via a USB port will make it possible to print documents from any computer connected to this network.

Choosing a router

Having understood the difference between a router and a router, let’s consider the issue of choice. The fundamental indicator when choosing a device, of course, will be the price. The range of prices on the models available on the market is enormous. Conventionally, the presented models can be divided into two types: industrial and home. We recommend choosing a device intended for home use, as it is unwise to overpay for unused functions. Having roughly determined price category, you need to determine the number of devices that will be connected to the router and the connection method. Majority modern models They support connection both via the LAN interface and via wi-fi. LAN is a connection between a device and a router via network cable. There shouldn't be any difficulties connecting in this way.

If you use a laptop, communicator or PDA, then you should pay attention to models that have a wi-fi interface, that is, they carry out wireless transmission data. It is preferable to choose a model that operates according to the 802.11 n communication standard, capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 480 Mbit/s. Setting up wireless connection, set a password. This will prevent unauthorized users from using your Internet.

If the router you choose has a feature that allows it to work as a DHCP server, then this will give you the opportunity not to waste your time on manual setting necessary parameters.

Thus, we have figured out what is the difference between a router and a router. Selecting the device you need and establishing a connection should not cause any difficulties.

A router is a very complex device with many technical characteristics. We will focus on those that are playing important role for the buyer.

WAN port type and connection protocols

The WAN (or Internet) connector is used to connect an Internet cable to the router. This is the first detail you should pay attention to when purchasing a device. The compatibility of the selected model with the provider depends on it.

A typical router has a WAN port in one of two formats:

1. DSL(ADSL, VDSL and other subtypes) - for connecting to the Internet via a telephone line.
2. Ethernet- to connect through a special provider channel.

There are also universal routers that support several formats, including DSL and Ethernet. But they are much less common.

First, find out what technical requirements your Internet service provider has for your router. Visit the provider's official website or call support.

In addition to the WAN port format, technical requirements may include connection protocols with which the router must be compatible.

If, instead of DSL and Ethernet, the provider uses specific connection technologies, which rarely happens, then it is better to trust the choice of equipment to specialists.

Number and type of LAN ports

Computers, consoles, TVs and other stationary equipment that require stable wired access to the Internet are connected to the router’s LAN ports. This connection always guarantees maximum speed, which does not depend on distance and interference.

And the more such connectors in the router, the more devices can be connected to it via wire. Routers are usually equipped with four LAN ports. But if this is not enough for you, choose a model with additional connectors.

The maximum speed of data exchange between the router and other devices connected to it via a wire depends on the type of LAN ports.

There are two such types:

1. Fast Ethernet provides speeds up to 100 Mbit/s.
2. Gigabit Ethernet- up to 1 Gbit/s.

If your provider offers Internet access at speeds greater than 100 Mbps, choose a router model with Gigabit Ethernet ports. This way you will use your channel to its fullest.

Wi-Fi standards

The maximum possible speed of data exchange between the router and the fleet of devices connected to it depends on the Wi-Fi standard wirelessly. Two standards are relevant:

1. 802.11n- a widespread version that is supported by the vast majority of gadgets. Possible speed is up to 600 Mbit/s.
2. 802.11ac- an increasingly popular standard that provides the most high speed- up to 6.77 Gbit/s.

But don’t let the characteristics confuse you: the indicated values ​​are only theoretically possible within the technology. Real speed figures are much lower.

The speed specified by the manufacturer is also most often unattainable in practice. This is only a possible value without taking into account distance and interference.

Thanks to backward compatibility, you can connect any gadgets to a router with the 802.11ac standard via Wi-Fi. Even if they only support 802.11n and older versions. But to unlock the full potential of 802.11ac, both your router and all other devices on your wireless network must support this standard.

It’s not at all necessary to chase newness and buy a router that supports 802.11ac. If you use the Internet only for web surfing and office tasks, you can save money and get by with a model with the 802.11n standard.

Number of Wi-Fi bands

Some routers can work simultaneously in different frequency ranges. In this mode, the router is able to support not one, but several independent Wi-Fi networks.

Many popular models are able to distribute data transmission between two ranges. Thus, they create two networks at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively.

1. Frequency 2.4 GHz ideal for connecting smartphones and office equipment.
2. Frequency 5 GHz provides more stable and fast connection, and therefore is better suited for multimedia devices that work with video and other heavy content. So, if you don’t want to connect a TV or set-top box via wires, you can use Wi-Fi at a frequency of 5 GHz.

These networks can operate in parallel without limiting each other. But again, their total speed will not exceed the limit set by the Internet provider.

In addition, not all gadgets support a 5 GHz network.

Number and type of antennas

In addition to standard and frequency Wi-Fi work, the speed of the wireless network depends on the number of antennas in the router. The more there are, the faster exchange data between connected devices and the router.

Limit Wi-Fi speed in the 802.11n standard for a model with one antenna is 150 Mbit/s. With two - 300 Mbit/s, with three - 450 Mbit/s. That is, with each antenna the maximum possible speed increases by 150 Mbit/s. And in the 802.11ac standard - at 433 Mbit/s.

Let us remember that we are talking about theoretically possible speeds under ideal conditions. In reality, these figures are much lower. In addition, do not forget that the final speed of Internet access via Wi-Fi cannot exceed the provider’s limit.

Antennas can be built-in or external. As practice shows, in a typical city apartment, the type of antennas is not so important. Contrary to popular myth, the difference is barely noticeable.

But for large rooms it is still worth choosing a router with external antennas so as not to have. Moreover, if external antennas removable, if necessary they can be replaced with more powerful ones.

Availability of USB port

By choosing a router with one or two USB connectors, you can connect to it additional devices. For example, a USB drive will provide remote access To shared storage files via any device on the Wi-Fi network. A wireless USB modem will be yours in a backup way Internet access if cable Internet stops working.

Brief selection instructions

Let's go over the key points of the article again. This checklist will help you choose a good router.

1. Find out the provider's requirements for the router: type of WAN connector and connection protocols. Only then choose a model.
2. If the Internet speed is above 100 Mbit/s, buy a device with Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports (1 Gbit/s). If the speed is lower, Fast Ethernet connectors (100 Mbit/s) will suffice.
3. If access to the Internet is needed only for browsing websites and working with documents, you can limit yourself to a router with one antenna and support wireless standard 802.11n.
4. But if you watch streaming videos, play online games, use a lot wireless devices If you often download large files and are not used to denying yourself, then choose a dual-band router with multiple antennas and support for 802.11ac.
5. If you wish, you can buy a model with a USB port to connect a storage device or wireless modem to it.

Choice technical devices for organization home wi-fi networks can sometimes confuse the buyer. For example, not every user choosing equipment in a store will immediately say how a router differs from a router. Although both devices are presented on the shelves of computer stores in an assortment.

Gemini brothers

At first glance, it may seem that a router is the same as a router. And this is true. The task of each device is to connect several computers, tablets and other devices to the existing network in an apartment or house. mobile devices. Both the router and the router have the same device - one socket for connecting a connector and several ports (most often there are at least four) for devices.

They also work on the same principle - they receive a signal from a computer connected to the network, after which they either allow it access to the Internet (if it is added to the table of signal recipients) or deny it.

The differences are linguistic

What are the differences? They are mostly linguistic, not technical.

You can feel the difference between the two devices by defining the concepts. “Router” is a transliteration of “router”. The word came to us from English language, and it can be translated into Russian only as “router”. So the first difference between the two concepts is the origin of the names. One is simpler and “ours”, the other is sophisticated and foreign.

The differences do not end there, but only begin. The use of synonymous names varies depending on the context. “Router” is more suitable for documentation, “router” for colloquial speech.

Interestingly, routers in hardware stores most often refer to devices used to organize networks in companies and in production. While sellers refer to devices for the home as household routers.

Paradoxical as it may seem, as a result of all this verbal leapfrog, technical means and by price. Routers in stores are more expensive than routers. Apparently, due to its loud foreign name.

Both of these terms are used to refer to the same network device. Therefore, the main difference between a router and a router appears in the scope of use of these definitions. Although these terms are completely interchangeable, their origins are different.

Similar variability is also present in some other designations. For example, “repeater” and “repeater”, “network hub” and “hub”. There is no difference between these terms. As is the case with the differences between a router and a router, the first version of the name is a translation into Russian, and the second is a simple transliteration.

Important! There is no design difference between a router and a router. These concepts are synonymous.

What is a router?

The word “router” is formed as a result of a direct transliteration of the English “router”, which in turn comes from the word “route” (route). Among users and experts in the field computer networks it is more commonly used than "router". Therefore, another difference between these concepts is the frequency of use of the term. There are also less common options: “router” or “router”, which are mainly used inexperienced users.

A router is a miniature device equipped with several network interfaces. It is used for network routing— traffic distribution among various network clients (computers, servers, wireless gadgets). The most common routers are those with five Ethernet ports: the first is used to connect the provider cable, and the other four are used for wired connection home network devices.

Pay attention! The word "router" is used more often than "router", although the latter is a direct translation of the original English name.

Differences between a router and a router

The difference between the devices is only on paper, and is manifested in the fact that the word “router” is most often used in the accompanying documentation for Internet devices. This translation option is more formal and is therefore less often used in everyday speech.

Modern routers in most cases support wireless network. This means that connecting home devices to the Internet is done not only with a cable, but also with Wi-Fi assistance. In this context, there is also no difference between these concepts. The concept " Wi-Fi router" is no less common than "wireless router".

Watching movies, correspondence, remote work, online video conferencing is only a small part of the examples of what the Internet has brought into our lives. Network technologies are becoming more common, in many homes having multiple network devices is the norm, and in some cases, a necessity. Usually, a certain device is responsible for servicing all such household items. It is called differently, but not many people understand the difference. Today we’ll figure out how a router differs from a router and whether the difference between them is significant.

The functionality of a router and a router is no different

Is there a difference between a router and a router

I will answer right away, I will not pound water in a mortar. There is absolutely no difference between these concepts. These two names are synonymous and are used depending on the preferences of the speaker. The word “router” is only a transliteration of the English word router, the translation of which into Russian sounds like “router”. If you think a little, it is not difficult to give several similar examples.

The confusion in concepts was most likely due to home-grown “specialists”. Some argue that a mandatory attribute of a router is the ability to connect via Wi-Fi, while a router only allows you to connect using wires. Others loudly declare that a router is a small home box, but a router is serious provider-level equipment. Well, still others are confused in concepts, saying that the difference is in the number of ports for connecting different peripherals. There are also those who confuse everything with everything. Be that as it may, if you need to understand the subject, you should trust either a truly intelligent specialist, or find necessary information on a reputable resource on the Internet, fortunately this is not difficult.

What should I choose

Let's bring some clarity to all this confusion. Fundamentally, any router is a small, highly specialized computer, the sole purpose of which is to transfer data packets between different networks. We have already decided that we are talking about synonyms; it is worth mentioning some functional differences different devices oriented towards home use, leaving more serious decisions for system administrators. Routers may differ:

• availability and features of Wi-Fi modules.
• number and speed of ports for connecting network wires.
• installed USB connectors (for example, for public access to the printer).
• presence of a GSM receiver.
• support various standards connection to the provider's network.
• stability of operation (very much depends on the manufacturer and the specific model).
• other differences (there are really many of them; the most obvious ones were listed above).

When choosing a particular model, first of all, proceed from the availability of the options you need. You should not listen to the advice to “take the first one you come across,” since “they are all the same” is fundamentally wrong. If you are interested in a model, before purchasing, you should first read reviews and testimonials about it, since advertising is one thing, but experience of use in real work can make its own adjustments.

Conclusion

There is no difference between router and router as they are synonyms. We hope that the different names will no longer confuse you, no matter where you find them.