7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Router | Drawbacks & Benefits of Router

 

Networking equipment called routers are used to link two distinct networks together. As an illustration, your house router links a private local network to your internet connection. In addition, it performs a variety of tasks related to setting up and managing local networks. A router can effectively detect the path of source and destination, unlike other types of networking equipment. Routing tables are used for all packet routing.

Routers come in a variety of sizes, from compact residential routers to large edge routers that link hundreds of networks. In reality, many of the newest communication configurations suggest routers for optimal performance. 

However, there are drawbacks to this method of traffic routing as well. Security flaws are one example of this. Thus, before having to purchase a router, these benefits and drawbacks should be taken into account.


I will be demonstrating the 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Router | Drawbacks & Benefits of Router in this blog. You will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of router use from this page.

Now let's get started,

Advantages of Router

1. Connection

A router's main purpose is to allow several computers to share a single network connection. This allows for the connection of several people to the internet, increasing productivity overall. In addition, routers connect many media types and network designs.


2. Security

Undoubtedly, setting up a router is the first step in protecting a network connection. because using a modem to connect directly to the internet exposes your computer to a number of security risks. 

 

In order to partially secure the environment, routers might be utilized as an intermediary between two networks. Even while it can't take the role of a firewall or antivirus program, this is still worthwhile.


3. Dynamic Routing

The router employs dynamic routing strategies to enable communication inside the network. Using dynamic routing, the internetwork's optimal path is determined. Furthermore, it generates collision and broadcast domains. In general, this can lessen network traffic.


4. Packet Filtering

Packet filtering and packet switching are two additional services provided by routers. A set of filtering rules is used by routers to filter the network. The packets are either allowed or passed through in accordance with these guidelines.


5. Backup Plan

Routers employ spare parts to prevent issues with traffic routing in the event that one of the external network's components fails. Businesses, particularly those operating on a big scale, use this to effectively control traffic.


6. NAT Usage

Network Address Translation (NAT) is used by routers. A single public IP address and a shared set of UDP ports can be used by NAT routers to share a connection. 

 

Furthermore, big businesses find it nearly impossible to connect to the internet without NAT.


7. Integrations

Modems and routers can typically be combined. This guarantees the provision of Wireless Access Points for establishing small networks. 

Disadvantages of Router

1. Speed

Routers read more than only the first two tiers of data, in contrast to repeaters and bridges. It examines data in its entirety, from the physical to the network layer. The connection can so become sluggish as a result. 

 

Additionally, routers allow several computers to share a network, however doing so causes a condition known as "connection wait" on the router. This may cause the connection to lag even more.


2. Cost

Compared to other networking devices, routers are the most expensive. Included in this are security, hub, and bridge. As a result, in terms of price, routers are not always the best choice.


3. Compatibility

Additionally, there are compatibility problems with the router, particularly with the 5GHz band. 

 

You are unable to profit from 5GHz frequency settings unless your PC and its adapters support them. Therefore, you ought to think about choosing a less expensive router.


4. Reliability

Routers aren't always dependable. Some current gadgets continue to use the 2.4GHz band, which is prone to frequent disconnections. Those who live in flats and apartments frequently face these kinds of disconnections.


5. Implementation

Setting up NAT and a number of basic parameters are necessary for a standard router. Additionally, even the most basic connection needs to have a private IP address provided. 

 

Additional setups are required if additional services are enabled. In essence, this makes the setup more difficult.


6. Bandwidth Shortage

The routers use dynamic routing algorithms to facilitate communication. There may be additional networking overheads as a result. 

 

There are shortages in bandwidth due to the high consumption of bandwidth by networking overheads. 

 

In addition to keeping routing tables updated, routers update the network on a regular basis. This may also result in bandwidth usage.


7. Protocol Support

Routable protocols are the only ones that routers use to operate. Routable protocols enable devices to be uniquely identified across networks by assigning them unique IP addresses.