In today's interconnected world, a reliable and efficient internet connection is crucial for both personal and professional needs. A router plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and secure network experience. However, with the myriad of options available in the market, choosing the right router can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of important things to know before buying a router. Before that we would like to focus on a few basic knowledge of a router. Let’s deep down into it.

1. Important things to know before buying a router
In today's interconnected world, a reliable and efficient internet connection
is crucial for both personal and professional needs. A router plays a vital
role in ensuring a seamless and secure network experience. However, with
the myriad of options available in the market, choosing the right router can
be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we have
compiled a list of important things to know before buying a router. Before
that we would like to focus on a few basic knowledge of a router. Let’s deep
down into it.
What is Router?
A router is a networking device that serves as the central hub for
connecting multiple devices to a local area network (LAN) or the internet. It
acts as a traffic director, directing data packets between devices within the
network and facilitating communication between devices on different
networks.
In simple terms, a router serves as the gateway between your devices
(such as computers, smartphones, and smart home devices) and the
internet. It allows multiple devices to share a single internet connection and
enables data to be transmitted between them.
Routers operate at the network layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite, which
means they can read and analyze IP addresses to determine the best path
for data packets to reach their destination. They use routing tables and
protocols to make intelligent decisions about how to forward data based on
factors such as network congestion, the shortest path, or specific routing
rules.

2. Most routers today are equipped with wireless capabilities, allowing devices
to connect to the network wirelessly using Wi-Fi. These wireless routers
provide a convenient way to access the internet and create a local network
without the need for physical Ethernet cables.
Routers also provide essential security features to protect your network and
connected devices. They often include built-in firewalls, network address
translation (NAT), and support for encryption protocols to safeguard against
unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Overall, routers play a crucial role in establishing and managing local
networks and enabling internet connectivity, making them a fundamental
component of modern networking infrastructure.
What kind of router is in the market?
In the market, you can find various types of routers designed to cater to
different networking needs. Here are some common types of routers
available:
1)Wireless Router: This is the most popular type of router used in homes
and small offices. Wireless routers allow devices to connect to the network
via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical Ethernet cables. They often
include built-in modems, making them suitable for connecting to broadband
internet services like cable or DSL.
2)Wired Router: These routers primarily focus on providing wired
connections through Ethernet ports. They are commonly used in office
environments or situations where a stable and high-speed wired connection
is required. Wired routers are often used in conjunction with separate
access points to provide wireless connectivity.

3. 3)Dual-Band Router: Dual-band routers operate on both the 2.4GHz and
5GHz frequency bands, offering flexibility and better performance. The
2.4GHz band provides broader coverage, while the 5GHz band offers faster
speeds and is less prone to interference. Dual-band routers are suitable for
environments with a moderate number of connected devices.
4)Tri-Band Router: Tri-band routers feature an additional 5GHz band,
providing even more capacity and reducing congestion in highly dense
network environments. These routers are beneficial for households or
offices with a large number of connected devices, allowing for efficient
distribution of network traffic.
5)Mesh Router: Mesh routers are a newer type of router that consists of
multiple nodes placed strategically throughout a home or office. They work
together to create a mesh network, eliminating Wi-Fi dead spots and
providing seamless coverage over a larger area. Mesh routers are ideal for
large homes or spaces where consistent coverage is essential.
6)Gaming Router: Gaming routers are optimized for online gaming,
offering features such as low latency, prioritized bandwidth for gaming
traffic, and advanced Quality of Service (QoS) settings. These routers aim
to provide a smooth and lag-free gaming experience for avid gamers.
7)VPN Router: VPN (Virtual Private Network) routers have built-in support
for VPN connections, allowing you to encrypt your internet traffic and
enhance privacy and security. These routers are useful if you want to
establish secure connections or bypass geographical restrictions.
8)Enterprise-Grade Router: Enterprise routers are designed for
large-scale networks and are typically used by businesses, universities, or
service providers. These routers offer advanced features, high-performance
capabilities, and extensive management options to handle heavy network
traffic and support a large number of users.

4. It's important to assess your specific networking requirements and choose
a router that aligns with your needs, whether it's for home use, small office
use, or enterprise-level networking.
Things to consider before buying a router
Internet Connection Type:
Before purchasing a router, it is essential to determine your internet
connection type. The most common types include cable, DSL, fiber optic,
and satellite. Different connection types have specific requirements, so
ensure that the router you choose is compatible with your internet service
provider's technology.
Wireless Standards:
Wireless standards, such as 802.11n, 802.11ac, and the latest 802.11ax
(Wi-Fi 6), determine the speed and range of your wireless network. It is
advisable to opt for routers that support the latest standards to ensure
faster speeds, better performance, and improved coverage.
Speed and Range:
Consider the speed and range requirements of your network. If you have a
large home or office space, look for routers with multiple antennas or mesh
systems that can provide extended coverage. Additionally, check the
router's maximum speed capabilities to ensure it meets your bandwidth
needs, especially if you engage in activities that demand high data transfer
rates, such as online gaming or 4K streaming.
Dual-Band or Tri-Band:
Routers often come in dual-band or tri-band configurations. Dual-band
routers operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, while
tri-band routers offer an additional 5GHz band. Tri-band routers are

5. beneficial in environments with numerous connected devices, as they can
distribute the network load more effectively.
Security Features:
In an era of increasing cyber threats, prioritizing network security is of
utmost importance. Look for routers that offer robust security features such
as WPA3 encryption, guest network support, firewall protection, and
automatic firmware updates. These features help safeguard your network
from unauthorized access and potential vulnerabilities.
Number of Ethernet Ports:
Consider the number of Ethernet ports provided by the router. These ports
allow you to establish a wired connection for devices that require a stable
and high-speed internet connection, such as gaming consoles, desktop
computers, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Ensure that the
router has enough ports to accommodate your wired devices.
Quality of Service (QoS):
QoS is a feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of network traffic
over others. This is especially useful in households or offices with multiple
users, where you may want to allocate more bandwidth to critical tasks
such as video conferencing or online gaming. Look for routers that offer
QoS settings for better control over network performance.
Brand Reputation and Customer Support:
Consider the reputation of the router manufacturer and their track record in
producing reliable products. Established brands often have better customer
support and provide regular firmware updates to address any security
vulnerabilities or performance issues.
Budget Considerations:
Set a realistic budget for your router purchase. While high-end routers offer
advanced features and superior performance, they may not always be
necessary for typical home or small office setups. Assess your

6. requirements and strike a balance between functionality, performance, and
budget.
How is the demand for routers in the Bangladesh
market and what brands of routers are available here?
Demand for routers in Bangladesh has been growing steadily over the
years due to increasing internet penetration and the rising number of
connected devices in homes, offices, and educational institutions. With the
growth of e-commerce, online gaming, streaming services, and remote
work, the need for reliable and high-performance routers has become
essential for many individuals and businesses in the country.
In Bangladesh, you can find a wide range of router brands and models
available in the market. Some popular router brands available in
Bangladesh include:
TP-Link: TP-Link is a well-known brand offering a diverse range of routers
suitable for different budgets and requirements. They have gained
popularity for providing reliable performance and user-friendly interfaces.
D-Link: D-Link is another reputable brand that offers a variety of routers
known for their quality and affordability. They have a wide range of models
catering to both home and office environments.
ASUS: ASUS is a renowned brand known for producing high-quality
routers with advanced features. They offer a range of routers suitable for
gaming, high-speed internet, and extensive coverage.

7. Netgear: Netgear is a trusted brand that offers a wide selection of routers,
including options for home, small office, and enterprise-level networking.
They are known for their performance, reliability, and advanced features.
MikroTik: MikroTik is a popular brand among networking professionals and
service providers. They offer a range of routers with robust capabilities and
extensive configuration options, suitable for complex network setups.
Huawei: Huawei is a well-established brand that provides routers with
advanced features and connectivity options. They offer routers for both
home and office use, focusing on delivering reliable performance and
security.
Xiaomi: Xiaomi, known for its smartphones, also offers routers with
competitive features and affordability. Their routers often incorporate smart
features and integration with other Xiaomi devices.
New technology in routers
Routers continue to evolve and incorporate new technologies to meet the
growing demands of modern networking. Here are some notable
advancements and new technologies in routers:
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest wireless
standard that offers significant improvements in speed, capacity, and
efficiency compared to previous generations. It provides faster data transfer
rates, reduced latency, and increased device capacity, making it ideal for
environments with multiple connected devices.
Mesh Networking: Mesh networking has gained popularity in recent years,
especially for larger homes or spaces that require extended Wi-Fi
coverage. Mesh routers create a mesh network by using multiple nodes
placed strategically throughout the area. These nodes work together to

8. provide seamless coverage, eliminating Wi-Fi dead zones and maintaining
a consistent connection as you move around.
Multi-Gigabit Ethernet: As internet speeds continue to increase, routers
with multi-gigabit Ethernet ports have emerged to support higher bandwidth
requirements. These routers can handle speeds beyond the traditional 1
Gigabit per second (Gbps) limit, allowing for faster wired connections and
improved network performance.
Network Security Enhancements: With the rising concerns about
cybersecurity, routers now incorporate advanced security features to
protect networks and connected devices. This includes features like
enhanced encryption protocols (such as WPA3), built-in firewalls, intrusion
detection systems (IDS), and automatic firmware updates to patch security
vulnerabilities.
Voice Control and Smart Home Integration: Some modern routers offer
integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant,
allowing you to control certain router settings or manage connected devices
using voice commands. Additionally, routers with smart home integration
features can connect with other smart home devices, providing seamless
management and control of the network and IoT devices.
Advanced Quality of Service (QoS): QoS features in routers have
become more sophisticated, allowing users to prioritize network traffic
based on specific applications, devices, or services. This ensures that
critical tasks, such as online gaming or video streaming, receive higher
bandwidth priority, resulting in a better user experience.
Cloud Management and Remote Access: Many routers now offer
cloud-based management interfaces, allowing users to remotely access
and control their router settings from anywhere using a smartphone or web
browser. This enables convenient management, firmware updates, and
monitoring of the network, even when you are away from home.

9. 5G Integration: With the advent of 5G technology, routers are starting to
incorporate 5G connectivity as an alternative to traditional wired broadband
connections. These routers can utilize 5G networks to provide high-speed
internet access in areas with limited wired infrastructure or as a backup
option for uninterrupted connectivity.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right router can significantly enhance your internet
experience by providing fast, reliable, and secure connectivity. By
considering factors such as internet connection type, wireless standards,
speed and range, security features, Ethernet ports, QoS, brand reputation,
and budget, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect router
to meet your needs. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest
technological advancements to future-proof your network and ensure a
seamless online experience for years to come.