Broadband routers are essential for home networking, but their applications aren’t limited to basic connection sharing. Manufacturers have added more features in recent years.
Modem vs. Router – What’s the Difference?
Until recently, home Wi-Fi routers contained a single radio that broadcast on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Then came 802.11n routers, which use a communications technology called MIMO (multiple in multiple out). With two or more built-in radio transmitters, home routers can now communicate over a wider frequency band or multiple separate bands.
Dual-band Wi-Fi routers support multiple radios and operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These routers allow you to create two wireless subnets and take advantage of both types. For example, 5 GHz connections offer higher performance than 2.4 GHz connections, and 2.4 GHz generally offers better range and compatibility with older devices.
Many first- and second-generation home routers didn’t support Wi-Fi. These wired broadband routers offered only Ethernet ports, designed to connect a PC, a printer, and perhaps a gaming console. To take full advantage of the technology, some homeowners wanted to pre-wire their homes with Ethernet cables running to different rooms.
