There are several factors that one must consider before choosing the best cell site routers. If you want to run a business from home or you are looking to connect several devices to your WiFi network, you need a router. But with so many options available in the market, it can be quite daunting to choose the right one. So, to make things easier for you, we have listed the top factors that you need to consider before buying a cell site router. Check out the list below to know more about the cell site router.
Types of Cell Site Routers
Broadband Routers
A broadband router is a device used for high-speed, high-capacity Internet connections such as ADSL, FTTH, and cable television (CATV). Broadband lines, also known as optical fiber lines, ADSL, and cable TV, are capable of high-speed, large-capacity data transfer. Dial-up connections and ISDN, which are old-fashioned lines, are dubbed narrowband in comparison to broadband because they have narrow frequency bands and are slow communication lines. The availability of a firewall function differentiates a broadband router from a standard router. A firewall is a feature of certain security software, but it is safer because it filters attacks on the router side before they reach the device (computer or smartphone).
Broadband routers make it easy to set up home networks, particularly in households with high-speed Internet access. Broadband routers not only let all consumer appliances share an Internet connection, but also allow data, printers, and other electronic devices to be shared between computers and other devices.
Wireless Routers
A wireless router is another name for a wireless local area network (WLAN) device and Wi-Fi networks are another name for wireless networks. Wireless routers are seen in many households and internet service providers (ISPs) use routers to connect to xDSL or network Internet cable. Local networks are connected to the Internet or other local networks through routers. A wireless access point converts the data packets that are written in binary code into radio signals, which are then broadcast by the antennae. Radio frequencies are used to link computers wirelessly to the network, creating signals at 900MHz, 2,4, 3,6, 5, and 60GHz. The wireless routers are based on the IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, commonly known as Wave 2. Users must be provided with login information so they can access the router. The IP addresses of the router must also be hidden for additional network security. The security features provided by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and wireless media access control (MAC) addresses are also used to protect wireless routers.
Core Router
By connecting networks in a building or campus, a core router transports traffic to and from various portions of the building or campus. Core routers are beneficial in a variety of situations, including replacing or updating an existing network, safeguarding your network, and keeping your business running smoothly. The core router is a high-performance computer router designed for use in large computer networks, and it is currently the fastest and most powerful router breed on the market.
Edge Routers
The edge router is a specialized router located at the edge of the network or at its boundary. The router makes sure that the network is connected to other networks, such as a wide area network or the Internet. Edge routers utilize Extending Border Gateway Protocol (“EBGP”), which is widely used in the Internet for connecting faraway networks. In contrast to a core router, which currently maintains an internal network, an edge router may allow connectivity with a variety of networks and autonomous systems.
Virtual Router
Virtual routers are software-based routers that can be installed on top of turnkey vendor COTS, third-party COTS, or DIY hardware, or in the cloud, like bare metal images (BMIs) or virtual machines (VMs). The virtual routers work in the same way as hardware-based Layer 3 Internet Protocol (IP) routers, which use protocols to transfer data between computer networks in the quickest (or most desirable) path possible. VPNs, edge networking, and cloud connectivity are just a few of the applications for virtual routers.
How to Choose the Best Cell Site Router?
Determine what you need
The first step in selecting a new cell site router is determining your requirements. What are your main concerns? Do you require the fastest possible speed? What is the maximum range? Most features? It will be easy to narrow down your options once you know what is important to you.
Consider your budget when choosing a router
It is vital to consider your budget when purchasing a new cell site router. Routers cost anything from $4,000 to over $20,000. It’s important to choose a budget-friendly option that also satisfies your needs. If you’re on a tight budget, there are many low-cost routers available. These models may lack the frills and fancies found in more expensive ones, but they will still perform the job. You can get routers with faster speeds, greater range, and more features if you pay a bit more. These variants are best suited for houses with several devices or for those with larger homes.
Choose based on the usage environment, such as at home or in a condominium.
The functionality and performance requirements for a single-family home differ from those for an individual condominium. The signal in a single-family home must be able to attract a wide area between walls and ceilings, and if the house is divided into first and second stories, it must also reach vertically. If there are a large number of users to be connected, it is also vital to examine the number of simultaneous connections. On the other hand, if you are using it for personal usage in a single room, you do not require such a vast range. The important factor is the connection speed.
Choose by the number of devices that can be connected
Depending on the cell site router, there is a restriction to the number of devices that can be connected. Since you’ll be using it with your family, make sure to verify the maximum number of connections before use. A cell site router functions better if the actual number of connections is less than the maximum number of connections.
Check the specifications
Once you have found a few routers that fit your needs and budget, the next step is to check the specifications. This will give you a good idea of how each router compares to the others. Look at the following to confirm:
- Type
- Speed (Mbps format)
- Range (feet)
- Number of antennas
- Number of ports
Read Reviews
The next step is to browse reviews when you’ve settled on a budget and what you require. This is one of the most effective ways to learn before purchasing a router. Keep in mind what is important to you when reading reviews. If the range is important to you, read all of the reviews that discuss the router’s range. If speed is the most crucial factor to you, look for reviews that discuss the router’s speed. Make sure you read the bad reviews as well. This is just as beneficial as reading favorable reviews because it will help you understand the shortcomings in your cell site router.
Conclusion
A router is useless if your devices cannot connect to it, so compatibility with your wireless devices is crucial. The same applies to speed, but only if your internet connection can handle it. The range is also crucial, but the extent to which it is relevant depends on the size and layout of your house. Last but not least, you should consider all of the above aspects before choosing a router that meets your needs.
