What is a router?

A router is a key piece of equipment that securely delivers internet to your home. It serves as a bridge between the modem and all your Wi-Fi enabled devices that you want to connect to your home network.

That means your phone, laptop, tablet, television, and smart devices rely on your router to send out information from your Internet service provider’s (ISP) external connection to all corners of your home. On top of that, most routers include security features to analyze incoming data and make sure no malicious malware enters your home devices.

Ready to find out more about what a router is? Read on to learn how this piece of equipment works and how to choose the best one.

How does a router work?

A router connects to a modem to deliver Wi-Fi to the devices connected to your local network.

When comparing modems vs routers, remember that a modem connects your home to your ISP’s external cable. A router connects to the modem and then delivers internet to the entire home.

The router uses routing protocols make decisions on how to send certain types of information. Most protocols are dynamic, which means your router uses algorithms to adapt to different traffic and bandwidth amounts when sending information out to your devices.

Router Security Features

In addition to analyzing and sending data to your devices, most routers also come with certain internet security features, which may include:

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack prevention: These external threats are designed to disrupt your normal web traffic. Most routers have a built-in firewall to block hackers and viruses.

• Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) certification: WPA3 certification in routers offers the latest in Wi-Fi security, making your internet connections safer and more secure. It provides better protection for your devices, stronger passwords, and defense against cyberattacks.

• Parental controls: Your router may allow you to place limits on specific devices using their IP addresses. If you have kids in the home, you can block high-risk websites and limit screen time.

• Virtual Private Network (VPN): Your router may have a VPN built in or may be compatible with one. A VPN encrypts your data so that it cannot be intercepted from anyone outside of your home network.

As you can see, routers have several core functions that keep your home Wi-Fi operating safely and smoothly.

Types of Routers

How do different types of routers compare to each other? There are five different options to get your high speed Internet plan up and running.

Wired routers

Wired routers use cables to create a local area network (LAN). They connect directly to a computer to provide Wi-Fi.

While one wired router may be able to connect multiple devices, there is a limit. This limitation makes wired routers a less attractive option compared to wireless routers.

Wireless routers

This router option creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) using antennas and radio signals to transmit data packets to devices on the network. It’s the most popular option for home Wi-Fi setups because you can use one piece of equipment to deliver internet to every device connected on the network.

Modem-Router Combos

A modem-router combo simplifies your home internet setup by combining the functionality of a modem and a router into a single device. This convenient all-in-one solution eliminates the need for separate devices, reduces cable clutter, and provides seamless connectivity for multiple devices.

For example, the Kinetic Gateway offers high-speed internet, advanced security features, and optimized Wi-Fi coverage for homes of all sizes in one powerful device. It’s designed to keep your connections reliable and hassle-free, perfect for work, streaming, and gaming.

Virtual routers

Instead of using a physical router, a virtual router is software used on computers to connect multiple locations. It’s ideal for growing a business and implementing remote work. Plus, virtual routers are typically cheaper than physical ones.

Selecting the Right Router for Your Needs

Now that you know what a router is used for, it’s time to pick the right one.

Keep in mind, your ISP usually provides you with a compatible router during your service setup, but you can always purchase your own. If you go this route, consider five factors in a router before you pick one for your home Wi-Fi setup.

• Bandwidth: Every router has a maximum capacity for how much data it can transmit. The number should be greater than or equal to your internet plan speed.

• Protocols: Wi-Fi standards are now simplified into numbers like Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, and 7, with newer versions offering faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved security. While Wi-Fi 6 is a great option, Wi-Fi 6E or 7 can future-proof your setup—but remember, your devices need to support Wi-Fi 7 to enjoy its full benefits.

• Wireless capacity: Most routers connect using two frequencies, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are sufficient for most users. However, if you have many connected devices and want smoother performance, consider a tri-band router, which adds an extra 5 GHz band for more bandwidth.

• Wi-Fi Manager: Most internet providers have apps you can use to manage your service. Whether you need restart the router or pay a bill, being able to do it all in one place is convenient, and will potentially save you time and stress down the line.

• Security features: Consider the security features mentioned above (WPA3, firewall, parental controls) when comparing different router options.

• Single router or mesh system: Mesh Wi-Fi systems are ideal for large homes or areas with thick walls and dead spots, offering wider coverage and reliable connections by using a central hub and additional nodes. Though more expensive than single routers, they provide flexibility, advanced features, and the ability to expand by adding more nodes or extenders.

Remember you can typically rent a compatible router directly through your ISP rather than purchasing your own.

Router Security

Despite being designed to provide your home network with added security against external threats, routers still come with some risks.

For instance, internet of things (IoT) devices can be hacked and then connected to routers to gain encryption keys and other data. Another threat is a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which uses bots to overwhelm your network with traffic and disrupt service.

Addressing these potential issues can keep your personal information safe. When you’re first setting up your router, be sure to change the default administrative credentials to unique passwords so they can’t be easily attacked. And perhaps the most importantly, always install firmware updates as soon as they’re available.

Finding the Right Router and Service Provider

Even when you know what a router is and what it’s used for, choosing the right one for your own home can be overwhelming.

Everyone has different needs and home layout that can impact which one is best. But when you sign up for residential fiber Internet with Kinetic, our modem-router Gateway ensures you get convenient and reliable internet throughout your home.

Plus, our free whole-home Wi-Fi setup means you can sit back and relax while we do the hard work.

What is a router? FAQs

What is a router and how does it work?

A router is a piece of equipment that delivers Internet to a network. A router is usually connected to a modem to retrieve data form the ISP. Then the signal is transmitted to any device you connect on your personal Wi-Fi network.

What is the difference between a router and a modem?

The two are connected but serve different functions. A modem connects to the ISP’s external cable, while a router sends that signal to your home devices.

What are the different types of routers?

There are several different kinds of routers that you may be able to use in your home: wired, wireless, modem-router combos, and virtual routers. Modem-router combos, like Kinetic’s Gateway, are the most convenient option for home use.

Do you need a router to have Wi-Fi?

Yes, you do need a router to connect to a Wi-Fi network. It’s responsible for sending data from the ISP to your devices.