A router is a device that connects the internet and the devices in our home. As the name implies, it ‘routes’ the traffic between the internet and the traffic. But ONLY buying a router and expecting to have access to the internet is not right. You have to subscribe to an internet provider first. You then will be able to get quicker internet service, better safeguard your family from cyber threats, and prevent yourself from the annoying dead Wi-Fi spots, but only if you get the right router for your home.
How Does A Router Work?
Every house has at least a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV, or any other internet-connected device. These devices are what build a network with the router. The purpose of the router is to direct the incoming and outgoing traffic on a network in a more effective and timely manner. This also means that you need an optimum service provider to pair with your router so you can binge-watch your favorite series. Spectrum Silver package can be a way for you to go so you can have access to all the live TV and streaming channels as well.
Anyways, here are two types of routers:
- Wired Router: As the name suggests, wired routers use wired connections so that the devices are connected directly to the internet. They normally have a connector that connects to the modem. It uses several ports to connect to various devices; especially computers to disseminate the data.
- Wireless Router: On the other hand, the wireless router only uses a cable to connect to the modem. This enables it to receive and transfer the data to the internet. Using the antennas then the router creates a Wi-Fi network with the devices available.
Why do you need a router?
If you plan on connecting your internet to numerous devices, it will not be possible without a router. In this case, only one device will be able to access the internet. Without any extra charges, plenty of internet service providers assign accounts with a single IP address, which is used to identify the outgoing and incoming traffic on that one internet connection. Routers get past this constraint by claiming the IP address and functioning as traffic controllers and directing the data to their appropriate devices.
Can you access the internet if you only buy a router?
You cannot simply have access to the internet after only buying a router unless it has a built-in modem in it. The router only directs the information towards various devices connected in a network, but can certainly not create an internet connection. Therefore you need to be subscribed to any internet service provider. Now how do you get access to the said internet is through a modem and why is it important as well.
What is a modem?
A modem and router are somewhat connected to one and another. In the simplest terms, your modem is the device that links the home network to the wider internet. It converts the digital signals from your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over the wires, and vice versa for the smooth working of your computer and devices. It receives data from the internet provider through the cables or phone lines, whereas the router further receives the signals from the modem and boosts it out to the connected devices.
How to maintain your router?
A router is a piece of technology that often needs maintenance to fix any sort of networking problem that one might run into. Below are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and maintain your router or to prevent yourself from any jiffy, and also so you can get the most out of it.
- Optimum Position: Your router must be placed at the highest center point of your home and surely out in the open. Stuffing them inside or under or behind any desk will only obstruct their signals, especially when they are placed inside something metal. So it is mandatory to position it correctly.
- Reboot: Sometimes the routers keep dropping the signals. Try rebooting the router. For that, all you need to do is to turn off or unplug the router and wait for 10 seconds and then turn it back on.
- Update the Firmware: Make sure that you are up-to-date with the router’s firmware to improve its performance. Some routers install the firmware update automatically but you still must keep it in check to see if there is any need to install the update manually.
- Set-up a Strong Password: Any device within the range of your router might access your network, as they transmit wide Wi-Fi signals. You can stop your bandwidth from being stolen by setting up a strong password on your router and the Wi-Fi network as well.
Conclusion
Summing it all up, yes you can have access to the internet if you buy a router but only if you had subscribed to an internet provider in the first place. It is mainly a bridge between the internet and your devices that require a connection. And if you think that you can have access to the internet if you buy a router only, is to expect to buy a phone and want to call someone without having a sim card.