It should be modern, fast and functional. What else should you consider in a router used in small business? Check out our suggestions.
Just like other network devices, routers are being regularly improved. This is to meet the growing needs of the market. Not only design, but also capabilities can be enhanced. Routers for small businesses are often based on solutions that are utilised in other network devices, thereby increasing their functionality. Before buying a router for a small enterprise, you should consider what features should it have – whether it will only forward data packets or also execute other tasks.
Interface
Routers used in businesses are equipped with WAN interfaces, which are typically Ethernet interfaces that provide high speed (10/100/1000 Mb/s). In the case of cheaper solutions, a single interface is usually used. However, when buying a device for your business, you should consider choosing a more advanced model with two or even more interfaces, as it will facilitate additional connections to avoid a situation where communication could be interrupted.
Performance, stability and security
The features that should be found in routers for small businesses include stability and performance, which is associated with the number of packets transmitted per second. Security is another key feature distinguishing modern routers. This is because these devices are often used as a firewall. When choosing a secure router for a small business, we should also pay attention to whether the model has packet filters and functions such as the blocking of anonymous Internet connections, selected websites and scripts, blocking of multicast traffic and protection against Denial of Service.
Standard
The standard of the device should also be mentioned. A preferred solution for your business is to buy a router that supports 802.11n. Its advantage is a dual-mode operation. In older devices, wireless LAN usually operates in one frequency range – typically 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, which causes some limitations.
Virtual Private Network
Another important issue are VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections. VPNs allow you to safely connect networks and computers, as data are exchanged through encryption. The type (e.g. IPSec) and performance are essential in Virtual Private Networks.
Ports, QoS
There are some other things worth considering when you already know the basic features that should characterise a router for small businesses. First of all, it is the type of ports (e.g. SFP, SFP+) – whether the router has a built-in switch for the transfer of large files, for example. Attention should also be paid to QoS (Quality of Service), which can reduce the impact of connections that use a high bandwidth. By assigning priorities to specific applications, QoS makes it possible to avoid connection-related problem
Easy implementation and reliability
Easy deployment of the device, which is often related to the budget, is very important for small businesses. A router should also be reliable, so that it fulfils its role without exposing the company to any potential downtime related to network issues.
MikroTik and Ubiquiti offers
MikroTik and Ubiquiti brands offer reliable and efficient routers dedicated to small businesses. Some of the models offered by MikroTik are RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN – which meet the parameter requirements of many small businesses – and CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+PC – this router is distinguished particularly by its efficiency and quiet operation. The range of products from Ubiquiti includes functional models such as ER-X-SFP and ERPoe-5 (with PoE ports) as well as very efficient devices -ERPro-8. The full range of routers is available on senetic.co.uk. We are looking forward to doing business with you!
