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About Bridges and Routers

Connectivity is productivity, whether it is a modern office or a village. This is why even the developing countries are focusing on introducing internet services in every nook and corner they have. A modern internet connection network is complicated. Here each part of the process is incomplete without the other. Several small devices work interchangeably to connect two ends of the connection system. This is where the networking bridges & routers come into the story.

A bridge is a networking device that works in a data link layer. It helps store and send data information in the shape of packets, whereas a Router is another networking device that works in network layers. A router transfers or stores data information in the form of packets. Despite both sounding the same to many, there is a slight difference in working between the two. When the bridge reads the MAC address of the device, a router reads the IP address. Nevertheless, both bridges and routers hold an important place in today’s networking systems. Thus, we need to understand the core of the two and generate a clear understanding of the differences.

A beginner’s guide to understanding bridges and routers

A bridge connects two LANs with one domain using a Media Access Control address to determine the destinations. Here the traffic is non-routable, and data cannot move outside the joint networks or domain. While on the other hand, a router also connects two LANs and moves traffic to an IP address. These devices have the intelligence to determine the next point on the network (if the address is not in the managed pool). Another difference between the two is that a bridge sees the two numbers as a single entity while a router sees two networks as different entities. Below is a detailed guide with all the essential information to help you understand the two devices, their functionalities and their properties.

What are a bridge and its functionalities?

A bridge can connect segments or workgroup LANs. It can also segregate single network traffic to an isolated traffic format. For example, if traffic volume from one or two devices is flooding the entire network with data packets, it will slow down the entire operations. In such cases, a bridge helps to isolate the computers or departments, producing more traffic. With such abilities, the bridges are used for expanding the distance of a segment in a network. It is also used for offering data packets to an increased number of devices on a single network. Another common reason to use a bridge is that it reduced traffic bottlenecks.

Features of networking LAN bridges

Bridges works are the Data Link Layer of the Open System Interconnection Model. As they work in the layer, the information at the higher level of the OSI is not available. Due to the same reason, they are not able to differentiate between protocols. This is why they are known as repeaters, as they process data from one network to another. While buying, you must know that a simple bridge comes with two ports (in and out). Thus, it will connect only two networks. However, a multiport bridge will offer a connection between multiple networks. Moreover, the bridges use filtering tables for forwarding or dropping the data packets.

What are a router and its functionalities?

The corporate setting of this date always has dozens of computers and more than one network for connection. In such settings, bridges are not enough; there is a need for something faster, smarter and safer. Hence comes the networking routers. Commonly you may know them as TP-Link Wi-Fi Router. A router is a device that knows the address of each segment in a network. Moreover, it also knows the address of each segment and can determine the path for filtering or sending broadcast traffic to a local segment. These functionalities make routers the best option for complex network situations as they offer better management and check of traffic compared to a bridge.

Features of a hub switch router

The routers work at the network layer of the OSI model. It means that they can switch and route data packets across different networks. Unlike a bridge, if a router receives a data packet that is not for a connected client, it will further pack. Routers work based on routing tables. It helps them know the next destination of the data if it is outside the address’s pool of addresses. A standard router has both LAN and WAN interfaces. WAN works for all traffic packets outside the router pool. In contrast, a LAN connection is for local clients. A router can be located at any gateway, including every single point of presence on the internet.

Tips on how to buy Bridges and Routers online in UAE

Computers talk to each other and the world wide web in different ways. This communication is mainly facilitated by switches, routers, bridges and other hard and software. Each of these mentioned devices works differently at different levels in a network setting. It is thus important to know your needs and pick the most appropriate option for you. However, the market is flooded with such devices. Many of them claim to be multi-purpose. This is the reason why many find it overwhelming to buy the best Wi-Fi router for home use. Here are some handy tips to help pick the right option from dozens available online.

Check the life span of the router – Networking hardware does not last for a lifetime. The standards change often, and the daily stress makes it older with usage and time. If your existing router has stayed with you for a long, it is time for an upgrade. Look for an upgraded version of your existing route by searching the name or model online.

The price – Obviously, this is a core factor. Generally, the price of a router varies somewhere between $15 to $400. Thus, it is important to note your budget and look for a reasonable product and brand that offers a router within your financial considerations. The price of the router also varies according to features like speed connectivity ports etc.

Check the speed – These days, fibre is becoming common around the globe, but still, no way is its commonplace yet. Although you might not need a router and bridge with Gigabit speed, finding some relevance is better. Today most of the devices come with Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, thus offering better speed and enhanced connectivity.

Check the range – The position of your router is of core importance. It should have a central location in its working range. It is better to look for an adapter with a power-line connection. They are cheaper. However, you can consider other options available online with better speed limitations and range of working. Consult the product description section to know these details.

Here at Shops.ae, we have most of the variety to buy the best ethernet router online in the UAE. We pride ourselves in offering access to top global brands, including TP-LINK, Dlink and many others. Our retail search engine is designed to help each customer get hands-on all the networking and communication gadgets. This is why you can easily find wireless bridges, Ethernet bridges, Dlink wireless routers and even hub switch routers with just a few clicks.

Question & Answer

What router should I buy?

It is important to consider and find answers to certain questions to know what router suits your needs. At first, you must know the capacity you will need and how many devices you plan to connect using the router. The next thing to consider is the router’s band; check if you need a double or single band. Also, decide the processors, connection ports and the software that support the router. With these considerations, you can find a suitable and reliable option for home or office use. This year’s best-known routers are; Asus RT AC 5300 Wireless, Net gear Nighthawk X4, and the Netgear AC1750.

Can a router be used as a switch?

It depends on the model of the router you are using. Some modern routers come with multi-purpose capabilities. Meanwhile, there are also some models of routers that can be converted into switches with slight modification. However, this process demands some set of skills and knowledge about the hardware and software. But, if you can convert your router into a switch, it will help you save some dollars for alternative investment. However, if not, visit our computer section to find an economical and reliable ready to use switch for your networking needs.

How long should a WiFi router last?

Market search and customer response suggest that a quality router from a reliable brand can last longer than a commonly made device. On average, a wireless router last from two to five years. As most models available in the market cost about $100 to $300, it is not bad to have them changed every 2 to 3 years. However, if you cannot keep your device in properly cleaned condition, away from water and jerks, it might leave you sooner than its guaranteed lifetime.

Where to buy a wireless bridge on sale in the UAE?

Here at Shops.ae you can find a wide range of computer products and accessories online. Here we have more than 500 top brands known and trusted for quality and reliability. Some of the brands on our list are; TP-LINK, Dlink, Netgear, Linksys, ASUS, Merlin, Ikrotik, Cisco, ZyXEL, Sagemcom, Belkin, and Huawei. Our website also offers you the ease to custom search products according to your brand or price preferences.

Moreover, you can also have one-click access to routers and bridges from top-selling stores on a product search engine. So, take your credit card, and expand your market research before you pay for your next best product shopping online.