Types of Routers: Their Features, Examples, and Use Cases

Routers are the traffic managers of company networks. They ensure that data flows smoothly between multiple network sites and even to our Internet service provider. They are the translators who help different devices and networks communicate seamlessly by converting data into the right format before sending it along. This functionality is crucial for keeping networks up and running efficiently.

In the business environment, routers do more than connect devices. They are pivotal in maintaining a steady stream of communication, both internally and with the outside world. 

Routers keep your sensitive business information safe from security threats while deciding the priority of data packets for optimal performance. This boosts your productivity, reduces your costs, and enhances overall security, creating a smoother operation and better customer service.

There is a router for every business need. This article looks at the different types of routers available and explains their core functions and use cases.

#1. Core routers

Core routers are used by internet service providers, cloud service providers, and other major enterprises to ensure data keeps flowing smoothly across vast distances. 

These routers are the spine that ensures everything is connected and functioning well. Unlike other routers, core routers handle not just a few connections but thousands of them, routing massive amounts of data.

Key attributes of core routers

Core routers can manage exceptionally high bandwidth. They can handle numerous data packets simultaneously without a hiccup. Plus, they are designed to be incredibly reliable and scalable. This is crucial for any enterprise-level company with extensive data demands, as downtime is not an option. 

Core routers can also support advanced routing protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), which help in the swift and secure transfer of data packets.

Use cases

Companies with large-scale network architectures often rely on core routers. For instance, a multinational corporation with offices across different continents would use core routers to keep their internal communications seamless. 

Similarly, service providers that need to ensure constant connectivity for millions of users depend on core routers to manage this complex web of data. They are essential in data centers where multiple networks must interconnect efficiently and reliably.

Examples

When it comes to industry examples, Cisco's CRS-X and Juniper's PTX Series are popular choices. The Cisco CRS-X boasts over 400 Gbps per slot, making it a powerful option for data-heavy environments. 

Meanwhile, Juniper's PTX Series is known for its energy efficiency and high performance, features that are appealing in today’s eco-conscious and cost-efficient business world.

Core routers are indispensable in the infrastructure of any large-scale operation. With massive data handling capabilities and superior reliability, they ensure the backbone of your network remains strong and efficient.

#2. Edge routers

Edge routers are the gatekeepers of your network perimeter, connecting internal networks with the outside world. They sit at the boundary of network domains and manage data flows between your local infrastructure and the broader internet. 

Think of edge routers as the frontline defenders and traffic controllers. They ensure that incoming and outgoing data packets find their right paths while maintaining network security and performance. Their primary role is to bridge your internal network with external networks efficiently and securely.

Key attributes

What really sets edge routers apart is their ability to support a wide range of networking protocols. They manage the intricacies of data routing while handling Network Address Translation (NAT) and firewall functions. This helps to protect sensitive company data from unauthorized access. 

Edge routers are highly versatile. They cater to various network speeds and types, making them ideal for diverse business needs. They often come with robust security features like VPN support, which is essential for secure remote access, and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities to prioritize critical traffic. This ensures that mission-critical applications always have the necessary bandwidth.

Use cases

Edge routers are indispensable in businesses requiring strong security and efficient data flow management. For instance, a company with multiple branch offices might use edge routers to connect each site to the main corporate network. This allows seamless communication and data sharing while keeping each location secure. 

Edge routers are also perfect for companies transitioning to cloud-based services, as they provide the necessary connection and security between local networks and cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, service providers rely on them for managing customer traffic and ensuring reliable internet connectivity.

Examples 

Certain edge router models are widely recognized for their reliability and performance. Cisco's ASR 1000 Series, for instance, is renowned for its high performance and rich feature set, making it a popular choice for enterprises that require robust and scalable solutions. 

Similarly, Juniper's MX Series edge routers are lauded for their excellent throughput and superior security capabilities, perfect for businesses aiming to keep up with ever-growing data demands while ensuring network integrity.

By implementing edge routers, you can maintain secure and efficient connectivity between your internal systems and external networks. They play a critical role in your overall network architecture, ensuring smooth, secure, and reliable communication across all endpoints.

#3. Distribution routers

Distribution routers are the intermediaries in your network, bridging the gap between core or edge routers and the end users or devices. They are critical in handling traffic within local areas, ensuring data is efficiently passed from internal networks to our employees' devices. 

Distribution routers direct data to where it needs to go, but on a more compact scale compared to core routers. They manage data flow and, in doing so, optimize the performance of our network by intelligently distributing traffic loads.

Attributes 

Distribution routers usually come equipped with multiple Ethernet ports and sometimes even wireless access points, allowing them to connect a variety of devices directly. They often include advanced routing protocols and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, ensuring that crucial data is prioritized. 

For instance, video conference data might be given higher priority over regular web browsing to prevent lag during important meetings. They also often support VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which help segment and manage network traffic more efficiently by grouping related devices together.

Use cases

You’ll find distribution routers deployed in offices of all sizes, especially where there’s a need to manage multiple devices and applications efficiently. In a company with several departments, each using specific applications, a distribution router can effectively manage these separate streams of traffic. 

They're also pivotal in school campuses or large hotels where they handle the local distribution of network traffic to ensure everyone stays connected and productive.

Examples 

For those exploring market options, models like the Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series are popular. They’re known for their robust performance and support for automation and programmability, aligning well with modern business needs. 

Juniper’s EX3400 Series is another solid choice, offering high performance and flexibility, perfect for businesses looking to efficiently manage their growing traffic demands. These routers are a smart choice to keep networks running smoothly, enhancing both performance and reliability across the board.

#4. Access routers

Access routers connect end-user devices to the larger network. Picture them as the welcoming committee for data packets, ensuring everything gets to the right place. They play a critical role in branch offices, small businesses, or departments within larger enterprises. Access routers are often the first point of contact for data entering or leaving the network.

Attributes 

What sets access routers apart is their flexibility and user-friendliness. Many come equipped with both wired and wireless capabilities, making them versatile enough to handle different types of devices. They typically support various protocols, ensuring smooth communication between devices. 

Advanced security features like firewalls or VPN support are often built-in. This helps keep data secure while navigating the network. Some models offer easy-to-use interfaces, perfect for quick setups and robust enough for complex configurations.

Use cases

In the business world, access routers are essential for connecting workstations, printers, and IP phones to the network. In a small office setup, they link the entire office to the internet while managing traffic effectively. They're also invaluable in larger companies with multiple branch locations. 

These routers offer a local point of access to the network. They ensure that remote teams have reliable connectivity to central resources. Plus, with features like VLANs, access routers can segment the network to prioritize critical tasks and enhance performance.

Examples 

Cisco’s ISR 4000 Series is a popular choice in many enterprises. They are known for their exceptional performance and scalability. These routers offer integrated services, making them perfect for companies needing a mix of features. 

The HPE MSR2000 Series is another solid option. It combines strong performance with built-in security. This makes it ideal for businesses looking for reliability and cost-effectiveness. Access routers keep your teams connected, productive, and secure, whether in a bustling city office or a remote branch.

#5. Wireless routers

Wireless routers are becoming essential in today's business networks, much like how smartphones are indispensable in our daily lives. They let you connect to the Internet without those pesky cables, which is a massive plus for flexibility. 

Imagine the freedom of working from anywhere in the office—or even from home—while still being connected to the company's network. This growing importance of wireless routers aligns with our ever-increasing need for mobility and adaptability in the workplace.

Attributes 

Wireless routers come packed with features that suit business needs perfectly. They're designed to handle multiple devices at once, ensuring everyone gets the bandwidth they need to work efficiently.

Advanced security features, like WPA3 encryption, help keep your data safe from cyber threats. Plus, with Quality of Service (QoS) settings, you can prioritize critical applications like video conferencing over less important traffic, preventing frustrating lags during important calls.

Use cases

In many scenarios, wireless routers have clear advantages over their wired counterparts. For instance, think of sprawling open-plan offices or co-working spaces where flexibility is key. Employees can move around freely without worrying about unplugging and reconnecting cables. 

In temporary work environments or during renovations, setting up a wireless network is much easier and less intrusive than laying down wiring everywhere. 

Also, for businesses embracing the hybrid work model, wireless routers simplify remote connectivity, allowing employees to hook into the company network from their home offices securely and efficiently.

Examples 

When it comes to choosing a wireless router, several models stand out in the business world. The Cisco Meraki MR Series is a popular choice, known for its reliable cloud-managed features that make network management a breeze from anywhere. 

Another strong contender is the Ubiquiti UniFi range, which offers excellent scalability and advanced performance metrics, perfect for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to expand quickly. 

With these options, businesses can ensure robust and flexible connectivity, aligning with their growth and adaptability in today’s dynamic environment.

#.6 Virtual routers

Virtual routers redefine what we traditionally understand about routers. Unlike physical routers, which we can touch and feel, virtual routers are software-based solutions that run on standard server hardware. 

Virtual routers perform all the usual routing tasks but offer much more flexibility and scalability. Imagine them as apps that can be quickly deployed, scaled, or moved depending on your network's needs, all without the need for any physical installation.

Attributes 

One of the standout features of virtual routers is their adaptability. They can be deployed rapidly across multiple locations, making them perfect for businesses that need to scale operations quickly. 

Since they're software-based, updates and configurations are much simpler. There’s no need to replace or physically upgrade equipment. They offer the same routing capabilities as physical routers, supporting various protocols and ensuring data is securely and efficiently managed. 

Plus, the cost savings can be significant. You can leverage existing server infrastructure to deploy virtual routers, reducing the need for dedicated hardware purchases.

Use cases

Virtual routers shine in scenarios where flexibility is critical. For companies with a large number of remote offices or branches, virtual routers simplify the process of maintaining consistent and reliable network performance across locations. 

These routers are also perfect for businesses moving to a cloud-first strategy. Virtual routers can be integrated into cloud environments, ensuring seamless connectivity and security as workloads migrate. 

Furthermore, they’re ideal for temporary setups or rapid deployments, such as during events or in newly opened offices, where the network needs to be up and running in no time.

Examples

Cisco’s Cloud Services Router (CSR) 1000v is a popular choice. It provides enterprise-class routing services in a virtualized form, perfect for extending network services into the cloud or across a virtual data center. 

Another example is the VyOS platform, an open-source virtual router solution known for its flexibility and customizability, which is a hit among businesses looking for a cost-effective and tailored routing solution. 

These solutions allow you to harness the power of virtual routers to keep pace with the fast-changing business environment, meeting all your network needs with precision and efficiency.

How Netmaker Simplifies Network Management

Netmaker can significantly enhance the management and efficiency of company networks by providing a robust platform for creating and maintaining virtual overlay networks. By utilizing Netmaker's capabilities, businesses can seamlessly integrate various types of routers, such as core, edge, and virtual routers, to ensure smooth and secure data flow across multiple locations. 

Specifically, Netmaker's support for Egress Gateways allows clients to reach external networks, facilitating the management of edge routers that connect internal networks with the outside world. This ensures secure and efficient data flow management, vital for remote offices and cloud-based services. Additionally, the Remote Access Client (RAC) feature ensures that offsite machines can access the network securely, supporting businesses with distributed workforces.

Moreover, Netmaker's Mesh VPN capabilities, as described in the guide for setting up a site-to-site mesh VPN, allow for the interconnection of various network sites, such as data centers, offices, and edge locations, without the need for installing a software client on every machine. This simplifies the deployment and management of core routers responsible for handling high data volumes internally. 

By leveraging Netmaker's user management and OAuth integration, businesses can streamline network access control, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. For those interested in enhancing their network infrastructure with Netmaker, signing up for Netmaker Professional can provide additional features such as metrics and failover servers, further optimizing network performance and reliability. 

Sign up here to get started with Netmaker and explore all its features and capabilities.