If you think that choosing a router for your business is an easy task, you have no idea how wrong you are. It is not like choosing a standard router where you only have to read a few reviews online or go to the store and see which has the best price. Choosing a router for your business is a little bit complicated which means you have to learn more about the different features you might need, like: wireless coverage, speed, bandwidth, security and so on.
Now, let’s see what you have to take into account when buying a router for your business.
Router Use and Purpose
The selection of routers is extraordinary, starting from those that allow several computers to be connected at the same time to more advanced routers with security options and a support for a great number of computers and other devices. So before you make the purchase, think about the use of the router and do you really need the advanced features of some more advanced models which may require monthly or yearly subscription fees.
Type of connectivity
Today most routers can be used both as wired or wireless routers. Therefore when you think about the router you need, take into account what suits you more – to take advantage of the wireless capabilities or not. For example, a smaller office with several computers doesn’t require you to have a wireless router, but you should take care of the number of Ethernet ports. However, if you plan to expand your business and use more computers and other devices in the near future, a wireless router is the sure thing to go.
Which one to choose – Dual-WANor WAN?
Cheaper models in most cases have only one WAN port. This port is the main gateway between the online world and your office network. However, having just one port in a business network is not a smart choice. If there is a problem with that port you can be sure than none of the computers in the business network will have internet access. This is one of the reasons why selecting a Dual-Wan is good. You definitely want to avoid having a network without internet connection.
Security features
Security is certainly something that has to be taken into consideration, especially when you have a certain number of employees who have access to the internet. There are routers with built-in security features or firewall. These can be quite effective but in some cases these security features have to be paid either monthly or yearly.
On the other hand you can secure your wireless router and at the same time your network by changing the default IP (eg. 192.168.1.1), username and password, SSID and so on.
Distribution of bandwidth and web access
When you have many computers and other devices connected to the internet via one router it is very important to have the option to optimize, synchronize and distribute bandwidth. That’s why it is wise to consider buying a router with Wireless Distribution System. With it you can basically set up a VPN in your office and share the bandwidth between users.
Router Speed
Depending on the router model, the wireless speed can be quite different from one model to another. This can greatly influence the surfing speed of the computers in the business network. So, it is good to buy a router which supports latest standards like 802.11ac.
Content Filtering
For some reason you might want to restrict some websites from being accessed from your business network. Of course, when you run a successful business you wouldn’t like to see your employees checking their Facebook accounts in the working hours. On the other hand, the employees can download malware which can ruin your business network. That is the reason you should think about getting a router with content filtering options.
Guest Network Capability
Although this feature might seem unnecessary it can save you from some troubles in the future. If a client needs a temporary access to your network, this feature is an excellent choice. With this option enabled the client will be able to use the network with a limited capacity, and you don’t have to reveal the main password for your business wireless network.
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