Do You Really Need an SMB Router?

You probably wondered "Can I use my home router for work"? The answer is yes, it is possible to use a consumer router and provide multiple internet connected desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones BUT ... Even in the short term, you will lose a lot in terms of scalability, remote access and security . If you have read ITC's series of secure networks in small business networks, you know the importance of network security.

The main difference is in the security functions. Consumer routers can deliver high Internet speeds, but when it comes to remote access, redundancy, and security standards, and most importantly, the benefits of a commercial router are at the forefront.

So what should you consider when buying a business router? It all depends on the complicity of your corporate network and the number of users. The most complex office networks require routers with multiple ports and wireless access points. Here are the top 10 features to highlight.

security

It always starts with security. The WPA and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption standards are important. WPA2 is the latest security encryption for Wi-Fi signal, adopted in 2006. Having a router encrypted with WPA2 password closes the door for 90% of hackers. Intrusion in this case is only possible at the enterprise level. If you buy a professional router that is a new model, starting in 2018 it could support the WPA3 standard, introduced in January 2018.

Also look for a professional router with a built-in firewall. In this way, the office network will be protected against intrusion from the public Internet.

Another thing to check is an option to connect to the guest wireless network. The main advantage of the wireless guest network capability is that it controls who can access the office network.

The DMZ gate is also one of the layers of security to be aware of. Basically, DMZ is a small network between the corporate network and the public Internet. The DMZ (demilitarized zone) port is used to isolate one or more computers (which require direct access to the Internet, such as an FTP server, a mail server, and a web server) on a dedicated subnet, and therefore protects the computers in case the entire network is compromised or under cyber attack. Some managed routers allow you to assign computers to the DMZ in configuration, without the need for dedicated DMZ ports.

Number of ports (WAN and LAN) The more doors, the better. The LAN port is used to connect multiple devices, such as IP phones, to the router. You can still use a switch and increase the number of devices connected to the router, but try choosing one with at least 4 LAN ports. Port Wide Area Network (WAN) is required if you want to use the router as a connection between LAN and WAN. The corporate router must have at least one WAN port.

Wireless protocol = speed

It is a matter of speed. Regardless of the complexity of the network and the number of users, a professional router is required that supports at least the 802.11n protocol. But if you are buying a router in the next few years, choose 802.11ac. There is an even newer 802.11ac protocol, but many computers don't support it yet, so there's no need to search for this bandwidth.

Strong signal

To provide full network coverage with a strong signal, a router capable of transmitting the signal to multiple offices is required. Of course, if you are using multiple large rooms, we recommend that you use two or more Wi-Fi routers. If you need to cover multiple floors of buildings with signal routers, use 4 antennas and an extended range. The number of users plays an important role here. If you have more than 10 users on the network, do not trust a single router.

Dual band support

Or even three tape carriers? There are routers that communicate only at 2.4 GHz or in combination with the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Professional neckband routers support one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands (we are not talking about the network data 5G). For a corporate network with more than 10 users, choose a dual-band router.

Quality of service

This feature will give you the ability to prioritize certain data packets and thereby influence network traffic. A typical example is the use of VoIP phones. If multiple network users play large video files, the IP phone service may become slow and unstable. QoS will help you balance and prioritize important services within the network. Sometimes it is necessary to configure the router, but in most cases the configuration is predefined.

WAN Backup

It's great to have redundancy on the network. Some commercial routers have backup WAN ports. When you lose your internet connection or your internet service provider doesn't work, you can simply add a 4G card and avoid downtime.

Content management

Many entrepreneurs have suffered a loss of productivity in recent years. Employees spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Routers with the ability to filter content with certain keywords can block traffic to desired sites. This is a function very similar to the parental controls used in home routers.

RADIUS support

This feature may not be secure. RADIUS is the most secure option for accessing an office network, but it requires a dedicated server, which means it is difficult to configure. An IT specialist will be required to configure RADIUS for wireless access. Basically, authentication is required between the RADIUS server and the client running on the router to access the network.

Prize

Finally and very important. As with many other things, the budget is a determining factor. If you want fast, reliable and secure traffic on your corporate network, try spending as much as possible. A router, server, and firewall form the foundation of your computer system. Paying around $ 300 for a professional router can be expensive, but it's much cheaper than network problems and constant downtime.

Not all routers are the same. There are high-end professional routers and models. Make a decision based on business needs, a number of users sharing devices on the office network (printer, fax, file server, etc.) and the complexity of the network.