What distinguishes a professional router from a consumer router?

 If you're on the market looking for a router for your business, you're tempted by the high speeds, eye-catching functionality, and low cost of consumer routers. The latest models simply look attractive.

But do you think a consumer router can provide everything an average business needs? Do you think it is safe enough? Is it scalable and can it offer redundant Internet connections? If it's a wireless model, do you think it has adequate range to cover your office? Should you invest in routers designed to meet the needs of small and medium businesses?

What exactly differentiates from consumer routers business class models?

Consumer router

As soon as you enter a store, you will find a dozen of wireless routers available at varying prices. These are offered by well-known brands and the prices at which they are available are also very attractive. They also have all the required functionality.

• IEEE 802.11n wireless network standard support
• Integrated firewall
• Wireless encryption4-port ethernet switch

Most of the routers here include 2 × 2 antenna networks for a theoretical speed of 300 Mbps. It is difficult to see the actual performance that fast. However, the distance between the router and the client, general and environmental factors can reduce this number.

Small Business Router

You will be surprised to know that most enterprise class routers don't even include an integrated wireless network. If the selected router does not have one, you can add this functionality by distributing certain wireless access points. High-end professional routers offer advanced redundancy, scalability, and security.

Scalability defines the router's ability to grow as the business grows. It is fairly easy to extend the wired capabilities of a particular network. Another Ethernet multiport switch can be connected to one of the router ports.

Now you have multiple doors.

If you are managing a complex network that includes multiple VLANs, a RADIUS server, and various other features, you may need to invest in a managed router.

The best way to increase Internet bandwidth is to obtain additional connections to the ISP through the router's wide area network (WAN) ports. While low-level professional routers and consumer routers have only one WAN port, high-level business-class routers have multiple WAN ports to help you establish multiple connections to one or more ISPs.

Since the router is the heart of the network, you need to choose it carefully. Any router can share the connection between its computers and other network devices, such as tablets and smartphones. The best models include features that can improve network and performance. Here are some features to look for when you find a commendable business class router.