A Router is networking device which connects networks. It decides in which way the packets should be sent. In other words, a router is where two networks meet. It is often included as the part of a network switch. It will allow our devices such as computers or smartphones to connect to the internet through a wired or wireless connection. It can allow multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously without interrupting each other. The number of connected devices will vary according to the limit set by the manufacturer or the quality of the hardware used.
A Modem connects you to the ISP (Internet service provider) allowing you to send and receive data over the internet. The cable modems will connect to the cable infrastructure and the DSL modems to the telephone providers line. The mode of operations is a bit different on different types of connections. When comparing the speeds, the cable or optical fiber connectivity is far better than the traditional DSL connections.
Nowadays most of the routers and modems coming in a single box combined together. You don’t have to buy them separately in order to enjoy seamless web connectivity. Numerous companies like Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, TP-Link, etc. manufacturing routers available in various forms and features. Most of the modern routers and modems will have many LAN ports as well as the wireless or WiFi connectivity which can take numerous devices at the same time. The security is also enhanced very much when compared to the older devices.
List of Router/Modem Manufacturers
- Aerohive Networks
- Allied Telesis
- Alcatel-Lucent
- Asus
- Avaya – acquired Nortel
- AVM
- Brocade
- Billion Electric
- Buffalo Technology
- CDR King
- Cerio
- CHANGE Networks
- Cisco Systems
- Compex Systems
- Dell – acquired Force10
- D-Link
- Digisol
- Edgewater Wireless
- Enterasys
- Ericsson
- Extreme Networks
- HPE
- Huawei Routers
- Juniper Networks
- LANCOM Systems
- Linksys
- Meraki
- MikroTik
- Mitsubishi
- Netgear
- Nokia Networks
- Rad Data Communications
- Raisecom
- Sierra Wireless
- Telco Systems
- TP-Link
- Ubiquiti
- Xirrus
- Yamaha
- Zcomax Technologies
- ZyXEL
- ZTE
- Ruijie Networks Co., Ltd.