Dual-band Wi-Fi routers support multiple radios and operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These routers make it possible to set up two wireless subnetworks and get the benefits of both kinds. For example, 5 GHz connections offer higher performance than 2.4 GHz connections, and 2.4 GHz generally provides better range plus compatibility with older devices. Even today, with the popularity of Wi-Fi and mobile devices (many of which do not support any wired connections), manufacturers continue incorporating Ethernet into home routers. Ethernet offers better network performance than wireless connections in many situations. Many popular broadband modems connect to routers using Ethernet, and hardcore gamers often prefer it over Wi-Fi for their gaming systems. Until recently, routers supported the same 100 Mbps (sometimes called 10/100 or Fast Ethernet) technology as their original ancestors. Newer and higher-end models upgrade that to Gigabit Ethernet, which is better for video streaming and other resource-intensive uses. Some routers feature USB ports designed to plug in external storage drives. Other devices on the network can use this storage to copy files. These drives can also be unplugged from the router and transported to other locations if a person needs access to the data while traveling, for example. Even without USB storage features, a router enables network file sharing among devices in other ways. Files can be shared using a device’s network operating system functions or through cloud storage systems.
Block specific websites by name.Restrict a child’s access to the internet.Restrict the number of hours a child can be online per day.
A router administrator configures parental control settings through the console menus. Settings are applied individually on each device so that a child’s devices can be restricted while others are not. Routers keep track of the identity of local devices by their physical (Media Access Control) addresses so that a child cannot rename a computer to avoid parental controls. Because the same features can be useful for spouses and other household members, too, access restrictions is a more accurate term than parental controls. Home routers with VPN typically provide only VPN server support. This allows household members to set up a VPN connection to home while they are away. Fewer home routers provide VPN client support, which enables devices inside the home to make VPN connections when accessing the internet. The universal plug and play (UPnP) standard was developed to simplify the way computers and applications use ports to communicate with home networks. UPnP automatically sets up many of the connections that otherwise would require manually configuring port forwarding entries on a router. All mainstream home routers support UPnP as an optional feature; administrators can disable it to maintain full control over the router’s port forwarding decisions. Most broadband routers support QoS as a feature that can be switched on or off. Home routers with QoS may provide separate settings for wired Ethernet connections versus wireless Wi-Fi connections. Devices to be prioritized are normally identified by their physical MAC address. Other standard QoS options include:
Traffic on individual TCP or UDP ports often can be prioritized higher or lower than others. Administrators typically use these settings to give higher priority to network gamers.WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) QoS automatically detects and prioritizes video streaming and voice traffic on Wi-Fi connections. Many routers feature WMM as a selectable option; some models keep WMM enabled by default.
The average homeowner might not care much about it, but some tech enthusiasts consider the ability to customize firmware as a key factor in choosing a home router.
