Type
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Router. Routers with traditional functionality — in other words, devices that are not related to firewalls (see below). The main function of the router (router) is to transmit data packets to certain addresses based on the rules specified in the settings. A similar function is performed by
switches ; however, routers operate at a higher level of the OSI network model — the third — and are responsible for logical rather than physical routing, usually using the IP protocol of one version or another (IPv4, IPv6). Routers are widely used to build local networks, to provide access to the Internet, as well as to interconnect individual "locals". Note that such equipment may have separate security features (antispam, antivirus, etc.), but such models are rare, and such functionality is more modest in them than in firewalls.
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Firewall. A specialized type of router, the main feature of which is advanced filtering and traffic processing capabilities, as well as additional security features. The official name of such devices is “firewalls”, which quite accurately describes the main way they are used: filtering traffic between the serviced network and the rest of the environment (both neighboring “LANs” and the Internet). All firewalls must have protection against DoS attacks and content filtering (see "Security"); most often, other security features are also provided, but their set
...should be specified separately.
Note that a firewall can also be created purely by software — for example, on one of the computers on the local network, which plays the role of an intermediate node. However, it is easier and more reliable to use specialized equipment for this: separately made firewalls are easier to configure, and their hardware is initially optimized for the corresponding tasks.Gigabit Ethernet
The number of standard Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 network connectors provided in the device design.
As the name suggests, these connectors provide data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps. Initially, Gigabit Ethernet was considered a professional standard, and even now the real needs for such speeds arise mainly when performing special tasks. Nevertheless, even relatively inexpensive computers are now equipped with gigabit network adapters, not to mention more advanced technology.
As for the number of connectors, it corresponds to the number of network devices that can be connected to the "switch" directly, without the use of additional equipment. At the same time, it is worth noting that in some "switches" individual connectors of this type are combined with optical SFP or SFP +. Such connectors are marked "combo" and are taken into account both when counting RJ-45 and when counting SFP / SFP +.
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
The number of standard network connectors RJ-45 format
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, provided in the design of the device. These ports are backwards compatible with lower speeds. This type of ports can be used in conjunction with NAS servers or, for example, with routers that support Wi-Fi 6/6E, where this format has also become widespread.
Of which dedicated LAN
In this case, dedicated LANs mean directly marked network connectors designed for wired connection of LAN devices - PCs, servers, additional access points, etc. The number of ports corresponds to the number of devices that can be directly connected to the equipment by wire.
Console port
The presence of a
console port in the router. This connector is used to control the device settings from a separate computer, which plays the role of a control panel — a console. The advantage of this format of operation is that access to the functions of the router does not depend on the state of the network; in addition, special utilities can be used on the console that provide more extensive capabilities than a regular web interface or network protocols (see "Management"). An RS-232 connector is often used as a console port, but in modern routers this role can also be played by a separate Ethernet input (not used for any other purpose).
CPU speed
The number of cycles per second that the processor produces in its normal operating mode. A clock is a single electrical impulse used to process data and synchronize the processor with the rest of the computer system. Different operations may require fractions of a clock or several clocks, but anyway, the clock frequency is one of the main parameters characterizing the performance and speed of the processor — all other things being equal, a processor with a higher clock frequency will work faster and better cope with significant loads.
RAM
The amount of random access memory (RAM) provided in the device. The amount of "RAM" is one of the indicators of the power of the device: the larger it is, the higher the speed and the better the device will cope with "heavy" tasks.
Flash memory
The amount of memory allocated for the operation of the operating system on board the device. It stores the OS and the control programme. Note that Flash memory is not available for use by the end user.
SSD drive
The amount of SSD installed in the router.
Such a drive performs a service function: it is intended for storing logs, as well as for caching some data, which allows you to significantly speed up access to them. The more capacious the SSD, the wider the router's capabilities for working with these tasks; on the other hand, the volume of the drive significantly affects the cost. Thus, manufacturers usually select SSD modules taking into account the general class and functionality of a particular device, so this parameter plays a secondary role when choosing — first of all, you should focus on the characteristics directly related to the operation of the router (number of ports, basic functions, security, performance, etc.).
