A router connects separate IP networks and forwards data between them. At home, it typically links your devices’ local network to the internet connection provided by your ISP, allowing multiple wired and wireless devices to communicate and share that connection.
What a router does
A router is a network-layer device that connects two or more IP networks or subnetworks. It moves packets between them toward their destination IP addresses. A home router commonly connects a local network to an ISP-facing modem or gateway; devices on the local network can then share the upstream connection.
A router can be wired, wireless, or part of a device that combines networking roles. A wireless router uses radio to create a wireless local area network (WLAN), while Ethernet ports provide wired connections. Routers are also used at enterprise edges, within provider networks, and as virtual devices; their scale and features depend on their purpose.
How a router forwards data
When a device sends data to an address outside its own local network, the router checks the packet’s destination and selects where to send it next. As Cloudflare puts it, “A router is a device that connects two or more IP networks or subnetworks.”
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- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- A device creates a packet. The packet carries a destination IP address.
- The router receives it. It reads the packet header on the interface where the packet arrived.
- The router checks its routing information. It looks for the best matching route to the destination.
- It chooses among available routes. When there is more than one option, route metrics or preferences can help determine which route to use.
- It forwards the packet. The router sends it through the selected interface to the next hop. Additional routers may repeat this process until the packet reaches its destination network.
If the router has no usable route, it may discard the packet or return an unreachable error. Cisco describes the router’s role as choosing the best route for information to travel: How Does a Router Work?
What a home router usually provides
- Local wired and wireless connections: Ethernet ports connect wired devices; Wi-Fi provides radio-based network access for compatible devices.
- Shared internet access: Multiple devices can use the same upstream connection through the router.
- Network Address Translation (NAT): NAT maps private internal addresses to public internet-facing addresses. Cisco explains that NAT can let one public address represent an internal group of devices: Cisco NAT FAQ.
- Routing control: A router may use manually configured static routes or routes learned through dynamic routing protocols.
- Other network services, depending on the model: Consumer routers may also provide firewall rules, DHCP address assignment, guest networks, VPN features, or port forwarding. These are common integrated services, not guaranteed features of every router.
Router vs. modem vs. switch
| Device | Main role | Typical place in a home network |
|---|---|---|
| Modem | Supplies or converts the ISP connection for the customer’s network equipment. | Connects to the ISP service and provides an upstream connection. |
| Router | Connects IP networks and forwards packets between them. | Connects the home network to the modem or gateway and manages traffic between networks. |
| Switch | Primarily forwards frames among devices on the same local network. | Adds wired Ethernet connections within a local network. |
One consumer gateway can combine modem and router functions, so the two roles are not always in separate boxes. A router differs from a switch in the traffic it handles: a switch primarily moves frames within a local network, while a router forwards traffic between different networks or segments. IEEE also distinguishes routers from switches and bridges by their role in forwarding between distinct network segments: IEEE: Routers.
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- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Do you need a router if you have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a way for devices to connect wirelessly to a local network; it is not itself the routing function. If your Wi-Fi comes from a router or an ISP gateway with a built-in router, that equipment is handling the router role. If you have a separate modem and want multiple devices to share the connection, you generally need a router between the modem and your local devices. The exact arrangement depends on whether your ISP supplied a combined gateway or separate equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare routers
Choose by the network you need to build and the capabilities you need, rather than by the word “router” alone. Relevant differences include:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router - Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time(6 GHz: 2402 Mbps;5 GHz: 2402 Mbps;2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)
- WiFi 6E Unleashed – The 6 GHz band brings more bandwidth, faster speeds, and near-zero latency; Enables more responsive gaming and video chatting
- Connect More Devices—True Tri-Band and OFDMA technology increase capacity by 4 times to enable simultaneous transmission to more devices
- Unique Design, More RAM, Better Processing - A unique housing design provides optimal heat dissipation, combined with a 1.0 GHz dual-core CPU and 512 MB High-Speed Memory, the AXE75 is designed for long-term reliability and performance.
- EasyMesh-compatible - Extend network range even more by adding EasyMesh-compatible routers, extenders, or wireless powerline adapters for a seamless, whole-home connection. Eliminate dead zones, drops, and lag as you move across your home.
Rank #4
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Rank #3
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Network scope: Home LAN, enterprise edge, provider/core, or virtual networking use.
- Connection medium: Wired Ethernet, wireless Wi-Fi, or both.
- Routing method: Static routes for manually defined paths or dynamic routing where routes are learned and updated.
- Wireless coverage and capacity: Relevant when Wi-Fi is built in; actual suitability depends on the space and the number and needs of connected devices.
- Included services: Check whether the model supports the NAT, firewall, DHCP, guest access, VPN, or port-forwarding functions you need.
- Wired connectivity: Compare the number and speed of Ethernet ports against your wired devices and upstream connection.
- Management and updates: Consider how the router is configured and whether the manufacturer provides ongoing update support.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
