What is a Router?

A Router is hardware which receives, identifies, analyses and moves data through the network, allowing you to connect and communication between connected devices. When a data packet comes through, the router inspects the Internet Protocol address (IP address) and using its built-in routing policy, it directs the data packets to its the destination.

A router is the first line of security defence for a network which is why its important to have strong firewalls in place and ensure all firmware updates are applied.

Making changes to your Router

It is likely that you’ll need to make changes to how your network operates and you can do that by logging into your router with your log in details.

You’ll be able to:

• change the router's password
• encrypt the network
• set up port forwarding rules
• change the Wi-Fi password
• pick a wireless network name
• update the Router firmware
• reboot the router.

What’s the Difference Between a Modem and a Router?

A router connects your devices together, routing network traffic between the connected devices whilst a modem connects your network of devices to the internet.

You can have a Router and a Modem built within a single device. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this and it would depend on your network structure.