A router is a computer in a network that directs the packets of data from one network to another. It has two or more input ports and can have anything between one output port and multiple output ports. Routers are classified into two broad categories, which wired and wireless routers. In wired networks, computers are connected to each other using cables, so that all the information passes through the same medium, whereas in wireless networks computers communicate over radio waves for communication purposes only.
- Input Ports: It is the input port of a router. All the data packets that come into this port are further forwarded to the various output ports after going through various processing steps. The different types of input ports available in a router are Ethernet, FastEthernet, Token Ring, and analog modem ports.
- Ethernet Port: It is also referred to as “Network interface card” (NIC) or “I/O port”. Its main function is to connect stand-alone computers to a network. It has 10/100 Mb/s speed, and it can work in half-duplex or full-duplex mode. A router with one Ethernet port may be used for connecting different computers through a wired connection. A router with multiple Ethernet ports is much more desirable as it can connect more computers to a network.
- FastEthernet Port: It is a type of Ethernet port, which is much faster than an Ethernet port. Its speed may be 10/100 Mb/s or 100/1000 Mb/s. Fast Ethernet ports are used for connecting a LAN hub or switch to the router, which enables us to connect our computers to the router through LAN switches or hubs. The following figure explains how you can use a single fast Ethernet port in a router to connect up to 128 computers using hubs and switches.
- Token Ring Port: It is used to connect token ring networks to a router. Each token ring port has a four-pin RJ-45 connector. It has the same speed as an Ethernet port i.e., 10/100 Mb/s or 100/1000 Mb/s.
- Analog Modem Port: This type of port is used for connecting a modem to the router. It is also referred to as an external modem interface or RJ-11 connector. When you connect a modem to this port, the router will act as an Internet gateway and allow you to share Internet connectivity among users connected to the LAN of the router.
Flash and DRAM:
Flash: The memory that stores the router’s firmware
DRAM: Random access memory, the volatile computer data storage used to temporarily store instructions and data. The flash on the router is generally much smaller than the DRAM. This makes sense as flash is typically less expensive to produce than DRAM. Flash also has a faster access time than DRAM, which allows it to store more information in comparison. In other words, you can have more functions stored in your router’s flash memory instead of its RAM. This allows a router to be much bigger and more powerful as a result.
An analogy of flash as a “smaller” DRAM is one you may have seen: think of a postage stamp. A postage stamp has only one function: it’s used to “track” your mail, or the exact time and place that your mail went through customs, etc. The stamp is small, but it contains all the information necessary to do its job. A tiny router with similar functions would be like using an even smaller postage stamp. Flash memory is typically directly connected to the router’s circuitry so that it can be updated with new firmware at any time. However, DRAM is usually soldered to the motherboard, which prevents it from being easily replaced. Knowing the amount of each memory type is important because it can help you decide if you need a RAM chip upgrade or if your router has enough flash storage capacity. It can also help you know where you’ll be making your money back with a router upgrade. For example, maybe the router has 4 GB of DRAM but only 3 GB of flash (it’s not uncommon to see this combination). In this case, a memory upgrade would cost more than the amount of extra flash space that would result from it.
Determine the Amount of Flash and DRAM:
Typically, this is one of the first questions that people ask themselves if they are thinking about upgrading their router. While there isn’t an official list, you can use this quick and simple guide to find out how much flash and DRAM your router has.
- The amount of Flash memory on a router is usually easy to identify as it will either be written on the motherboard itself or listed in a footnote in the manual. You can typically find it by looking for “Flash” or “NAND”. For example, Micron® 3200MT 256 MB NAND provides 256 MB of flash storage space.
- The amount of DRAM will often be listed in the CPU or memory count and is easy to identify. For example, the Intel® Celeron® D Processor 867 is a dual-core/2.8GHz processor with 1 GB of DDR3-1066/800MHz SO-DIMM DDR3 RAM. You can also use the software to determine what type of Flash and DRAM your router has.
Determine the Number of Ports:
The number of ports on a router is important in order to help the user find the right features, configuration, encryption, and standards that they need. It is also significant when looking at different NAS devices, various types of firewalls, and routers in general.
Determine CPU and Memory:
The importance of CPU and memory is significant for any device that processes information. This is especially significant for streamers, gaming, or high network traffic devices. In general, you want as little latency as possible in order to process information quickly. Processors are measured by their Instructions Per Second (IPS), which is determined by the frequency at which they process instructions (GHz). The higher this number is, the better it will be at processing information. Memory can also be measured in many ways and often determined by how much was paid for it (GB).