What Is a Wi-Fi Router?
A Wi-Fi router is a device that provides wireless access for local users and communicates with external networks. It converts wired network signals into wireless signals so that Wi-Fi-capable devices such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets can access the network. It is typically used in places such as homes, small enterprises, stores, and coffee bars. Because a Wi-Fi router combines the network functions of a wireless AP and a router and provides wireless Internet access for terminals, a Wi-Fi router is also referred to as a wireless router.
Why Is a Wi-Fi Router Required?
Since the 2000s, the number of home devices (like laptops and smartphones) that need to be connected to the Internet has grown exponentially. The single line commonly provided by an Internet service provider (ISP) to homes cannot connect multiple devices to the Internet at the same time. Wi-Fi routers, however, can provide wireless Internet access for mobile devices without requiring network cables.
Wi-Fi technologies and standards are developing rapidly. From the basic 802.11 standards to the latest 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standards, every standard advancement provides faster speed, larger scope, more stable network connections, and more advanced capabilities for wireless networks. As such, routers supporting corresponding Wi-Fi standards are selected by more users with different requirements.
Today, with the popularity of the smart home and Internet of Things (IoT), the number of devices that require wireless access has increased greatly. The continuing advancement of Wi-Fi technologies and protocols can better serve the network access and connection of these devices. In addition to Wi-Fi functions, a Wi-Fi router also integrates routing, security, and management functions. It provides both wired and wireless access and has become indispensable for individuals and enterprise users to build networks.
How Does a Wi-Fi Router Work?
A Wi-Fi router acts like a postman. It receives letters (data) from the Internet through broadband lines, converts the received data into wireless signals, and sends the wireless signals to Wi-Fi-capable devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and game consoles. The router also acts like an administrator to ensure that information is sent to the correct devices and manage all connections. By directing traffic, the router ensures that a Wi-Fi network is not congested.
Wireless data forwarding process
In the wireless data forwarding process as shown in the preceding figure, Wi-Fi routers bridge wired and wireless networks together. How is wireless data transmitted between a terminal and a Wi-Fi router? To answer this question, you need to have an understanding of the following concepts:
- Router access: The core of a wireless network is routers. On a home network, a user connects to a Wi-Fi router through the WAN port of an optical modem. The router converts wired signals into wireless signals.
- Wireless signal broadcast: The router has one or more built-in wireless APs to transmit wireless signals. After the signals are transmitted, smart devices such as mobile phones and computers can connect to the Wi-Fi network with a specified name. These signals comply with specific wireless communication standards. Different standards have different transmission modes and rates, like Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Wireless frequency band selection: The router can transmit signals on different frequency bands, typically, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency band provides a relatively large coverage area but has a lower data transmission speed. The 5 GHz frequency band provides a relatively fast transmission speed but over a smaller coverage area.
- Electronic device connection: Electronic devices at home, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, use the built-in wireless network adapter (Wi-Fi adapter) to search for and connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless signals sent by the router. Before the devices connect to a wireless network, the correct service set identifier (SSID), indicating a wireless network name, and password need to be entered.
- Wireless data transmission: After an electronic device connects to a wireless network, data can be transmitted between the device and the Internet, that is, the device can access the Internet.
- Wireless network security: Different encryption modes and authentication mechanisms can be specified for a Wi-Fi network. Common encryption modes include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). These encryption modes prevent unauthorized devices from accessing the Wi-Fi network to ensure data security and confidentiality.
- Wireless network management: Users can perform network settings on the management interface of the Wi-Fi router, such as setting the SSID, changing the wireless network password, and managing connected devices.
What Are the Differences Between a Wi-Fi Router and an AP?
As shown in the following figures, the key factors for deploying APs or Wi-Fi routers depend on the network scale, organization requirements, and total number of Wi-Fi users.
Enterprise AC + Fit AP networking
Home network
The following describes the differences between an AP and a Wi-Fi router:
- Different application scenarios: The most common AP deployment mode is AC + Fit AP centralized deployment. It is widely used in large and midsize campuses, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, hotels, and enterprise offices. Wi-Fi routers are usually used in small places such as homes, small enterprises, shops, and coffee bars to provide wireless Internet access for users.
- Different working principles: APs use Wi-Fi as the mainstream communication technology and provide wireless access to wired networks for terminals. Wi-Fi routers integrate the functions of routers, switches, and APs, and provide both wired and wireless connections for terminals.
- Different coverage areas: A Wi-Fi router covers a small area and typically applies to small places such as homes. An AP usually covers a large area and requires high-performance wireless modules. Multiple APs can better meet the requirements of large organizations and enterprises.
- Different roaming experience: APs can be managed by the access controller (AC) in a unified manner. For example, when a mobile phone moves between different locations, wireless signals can be switched within milliseconds without interruptions, implementing smooth wireless roaming. Wi-Fi routers in different rooms, however, send wireless signals independently. There is no connection or collaboration between the routers. Therefore, wireless roaming cannot be implemented.
- Author: Zhao Yingying, Ding Heng
- Updated on: 2024-12-04
- Views: 2580
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