Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about network routers from Summer 2019.

Q: What is a router?
A: A router is a device that allows multiple devices to connect to the same network. Commonly routers are used to share internet connections over a local network.

Q: Is a router the device my internet provider gave me?
A: Not necessarily - the device offered by your internet provider is called a modem - some modems do offer built in wireless router features as well.

Q: Do I have to use the equipment from the internet service provider?
A: No, but this depends. The internet service provider may have a list of devices that are compatible with their network, allowing you to purchase and use your own device - modem and / or router or combination device. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to use a device provided by the internet service provider for certain plans or providers.

Q: Do I need a router, or can I just use the modem?
A: If you only have a single device to connect directly to the internet modem, then you can use just the modem. Keep in mind that standalone modems do not usually have routing, wireless, or firewall capabilities.

Q: Do all routers include wireless?
A: No. Most common home routers do include wireless, but it is possible to get one that does not. Some routers - particularly intended for business or institutional use - come without wireless options. This is often done for network security purposes. Separate wireless access points, that are not routers but rather connect to routers, are also an available option.

Q: How can I protect my wireless network?
A: Wireless networks can be protected by adding a security key or password. Other security features may be available such as MAC address filtering - information on these features provided in the router user manual.

Q: Which wireless security option do I choose?
A: The most commonly used options include WEP, WPA, and WPA2. The recommended option is the WPA2 standard. Encryption may be a separate field, referencing options like AES or TKIP. AES is the more commonly used option. One thing that determines this choice would be compatibility between all of the hardware that is connecting to this particular router.

Q: Doesn’t a switch connect multiple devices as well?
A: Yes, however switches only provide a connection between devices whereas routers manage the internet connection for a better flow of traffic so that each device can use it.

Q: Why does the router separate one port from the rest of them?
A: The separate port is where the modem needs to be connected and is connected differently so the rest of the devices can access the internet. It is an input port, labeled as WAN, whereas the others are connection and output ports, labeled as LAN.

Q: How do I make the wireless signal from the router stronger?
A: The strength of the wireless signal is determined by many factores, including possible interference in the area. Most routers allow you change the channel to one that has less interference from other networks in the area. This is part of the router configuration page.

Q: I changed the channel, but the signal isn’t strong enough to cover my entire building. What can be done?
A: Another option would be to get a wireless extender as these devices can be added or bridged to routers to provide more coverage. A packaged solution of this nature is known as mesh networking.

Q: What happens if I forget the password and cannot make changes to my router?
A: If no known options will work, find the reset button for your router. Press and hold this button for several seconds, or possibly power cycle your router while holding this button, and the router will reset back to the default settings as when it was new. You can then use the default login password to log in to the router configuration page and reconfigure it to your desired settings.

Q: What is WPS?
A: WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. WPS allows devices to communicate the wireless key without typing it in. When the WPS button on the router is pressed once, and then the WPS button is pressed on another device in a similar time window, these two devices will talk to each other passing the information back and forth. It is considered an easier setup for connecting two wireless devices to each other, and popular for basic home setups that want to be secured without a lot of extra configuration effort.

Q: Can WPS be turned off?
A: Yes, most routers will have an option to turn this off on the wireless settings page.

Q: Does a router help to protect my network?
A: Yes. Most routers have a firewall to block traffic from entering your network unless the computer requests it. Default firewall settings can be modified with the proper settings as long as you understand this process.

Q: Can I allow traffic to access a program I am running?
A: Yes. Routers can be configured with port forwarding in order to point traffic toward the specific computer that is running the program, and the specific port(s) that are needed by this program.