For most people, knowing what a router is might seem like an afterthought. For a potential Intermax customer, this information could lead to a better understanding of the industry and why we say that speed isn’t everything.

What is a router?

A router is a device that connects multiple networks together and forwards data packets between them. It can connect computers and other devices on a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet.

These devices use routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data packets to travel from one network to another. They use network address translation (NAT) to assign unique IP addresses to devices on a LAN. This allows the devices to communicate with devices on other networks.

Types of routers

There are several types of routers available, including wired and wireless devices. A wired router connects devices to the network using Ethernet cables, while a wireless router uses Wi-Fi to connect devices wirelessly.

Wireless routers typically have one or more antennas that emit radio waves to provide a wireless signal to nearby devices. They also have a built-in access point, allowing devices to connect to the network wirelessly.

They can also have additional features such as VPN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and parental controls. VPN support allows the router to securely connect to a virtual private network (VPN). QoS prioritizes certain types of network traffic to improve performance. Parental controls allow users to restrict access to certain websites or online content based on the user or device.

Pro-tips for security

It is also important to keep in mind the security of your router. Many have a default username and password which should be changed immediately. It is also a good idea to keep the firmware up to date to protect against any security threats.

What does this mean for YOU?

As a consumer, you are overwhelmed with ads showing the highest speeds possible, but that speed doesn’t mean anything unless you have a reliable device. Equipment is key when establishing a solid internet connection and can make smaller broadband companies like us stand out. With a reliable wireless device, consumers will see faster load time and a lower chance of buffering. So, before you empty your wallet for “8 Gig internet” (weird flex, but okay), consider your equipment.

At Intermax, we make sure you understand what a good wireless device will do for you on our network. Whenever you do encounter a problem with your network, having one of our wireless devices makes problems easier to diagnose and address. With one call to our help desk, we can fix most problems from the office. This means you no longer need to schedule a field technician to come to your home, saving you time and money.

Having one of our wireless devices installed in your home gives you access to the Intermax Insights App, giving you the best Wi-Fi experience possible. From the app, you are able to monitor all your devices that are connected to your network. See what is using the most bandwidth, set parental controls, and connect to smart home devices, all from our app. It really takes your internet to another level.

Overall, routers are a vital component in your broadband connection. From providing internet connectivity in homes and offices to large enterprise networks, routers are an integral part of today’s digital landscape.

If you are an Intermax customer not using one of our wireless devices but are interested in seeing what it could do for your connection, give us a call! Our team of experts is happy to get you set up or just have a conversation.