Edge router

Types of Edge Routers

Edge routers form a network's outer boundary and connect to external systems like the internet, so they are also known as boundary routers. They are usually the first router that traffic encounters on its way into or out of an organization's network. In addition to connecting to the internet, they also connect to remote branch offices and external data centers. There are a few types of edge routers:

• WAN Edge Router: The WAN edge router is usually a high-powered device designed to handle extensive routing tables, complex Quality-of-Service (QoS) policies, and advanced security features. It serves as the gateway between an organization's internal network (LAN) and its wide area network (WAN), which is the network infrastructure that connects geographically dispersed locations. The WAN edge router typically sits at the perimeter of an organization's network and is responsible for routing traffic to and from the internet, as well as connecting branch offices, data centers, and cloud services.
• LAN Edge Router: The LAN edge router is similar to the WAN edge router but is optimized for routing traffic within an organization's internal network. It connects various devices within a local area network (LAN) and is responsible for forwarding data packets between them. The LAN edge router typically does not need to support as many advanced features as the WAN edge router, as it is primarily concerned with internal network traffic rather than traffic to and from external sources.

Edge routers play a crucial role in modern networking environments, where the need for secure and efficient connectivity between users, devices, and applications is greater than ever. They form the boundary between an organization's internal network and the outside world, providing a first line of defense against potential threats and ensuring that data flows smoothly between different parts of the network. By understanding the types of edge routers available and their specific functions, businesses can make more informed decisions about the design and deployment of their network infrastructure to meet their unique requirements.

Functions and features of edge router

Edge routers have various functions and features to help businesses. The following are some of them:

• Firewall protection: An edge router can act as a firewall to protect the company's network. It inspects all the traffic that goes in and out of the network. The edge router uses access control lists (ACLs) to determine who can access the network and who can't. It also uses stateful inspection to see if the traffic is safe or not. This way, the router can block any malicious traffic from entering the network. The firewall feature in an edge router is important because it helps businesses comply with certain regulations.

• Integrated mobile broadband: An edge router with integrated mobile broadband allows businesses to connect to the internet through a cellular network. It is very useful for businesses that are in remote locations. An edge router with integrated mobile broadband can be used as a backup connection if the primary connection fails.

• Load balancing: Load balancing helps distribute the incoming data across multiple devices on the network. This helps prevent any one device from getting overwhelmed. It also helps the network run more efficiently and faster.

• Quality of service (QoS): QoS is a feature that helps give certain types of traffic priority over others. For example, if a business is using a video conferencing application, QoS will give this traffic priority over other non-essential traffic. This way, the video conferencing application will run smoothly without any lag or delay.

• Redundant power supplies: Some edge routers have redundant power supplies. This means that if one power supply fails, the other one will keep the router running. This is an important feature for businesses that cannot afford any downtime.

• Virtual private network (VPN): A VPN is a secure connection that allows users to access the company's network from anywhere in the world. An edge router can act as a VPN gateway, allowing remote users to connect to the network securely. A VPN encrypts the data, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on the connection.

Scenarios

Edge routers are designed for small and medium-sized enterprises and home offices. They are used in various applications to improve network performance and security. Here are some common usage scenarios of these routers:

• Home Offices

An edge router is useful for a home office or a small business. People who work from home can use the router to connect multiple devices. The router can also protect the network from outside attacks. It also allows remote users to use a virtual private network to access files on the company's server.

• Branch Offices

Edge routers are also great for branch offices. They can help manage the local area network (LAN) in the remote office. The router can also be used to connect to the main office's network. This enables branch office employees to access important business applications on the corporate network.

• Point-of-Sale Systems

Retail stores need edge routers to secure their point-of-sale systems. The router can be used to connect the store's cash registers and credit card terminals. This will help provide a secure connection between the devices and the store's network. It also ensures that customer payment information is safe from hackers.

• Guest Wi-Fi Network

Hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops can use an edge router to create a guest Wi-Fi network. The router isolates the guest network from the business's network. This keeps sensitive data secure. The router can also limit the amount of bandwidth guests can use so that business operations won't be affected.

• Remote Monitoring

An edge router can be used to connect security cameras and sensors in remote areas. The router can also send the data to a central monitoring station. This is useful for companies that want to keep track of equipment in remote locations.

• Secure Internet Access

Edge routers provide an added layer of security to a network. The router can be configured to scan all data packets entering the network. It can also block suspicious traffic. The router can be used to protect against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

How to Choose an Edge Router

When choosing a router for edge computing, buyers should consider the number of WAN and LAN interfaces available. The interfaces must match the business needs of the organization. The router should have a minimum of four interfaces. This includes separate interfaces for the local network and the internet. Having more LAN interfaces allows connecting to different network segments. It enables the router to support the current network infrastructure and expand it as the business grows.

Buyers should also consider the router's data transfer speeds, which are usually measured in gigabits per second (Gbps). These speeds depend on the router's model and can range from less than 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps. It's important to choose a router that can handle the total amount of data transferred between the internal network and the internet. For instance, a small organization with a few users and limited internet use may need a router with speeds of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. However, a large enterprise with many users who transfer large amounts of data between the LAN and the internet will need a router with higher data transfer speeds.

Buyers should also check the router's memory and storage capacity. The memory and storage capacity of a router affect its overall performance and the number of features it can support. The router should have a minimum of 512 MB RAM and 1 GB flash memory. The RAM stores the router's operating system, routing tables, and other software. On the other hand, the flash memory stores the router's operating system. Some configurations may require more memory and storage capacity. For instance, routers with advanced features, such as security and VPN, will require more memory and storage capacity.

Another factor to consider is the router's CPU processing power. The CPU processes instructions from the router's operating system and applications. Its speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The CPU's clock speed and number of cores determine its processing power. Routers with multiple CPU cores can handle more tasks at the same time. This ensures fast and efficient performance. The router's CPU processing power depends on the model. Entry-level models have CPUs with speeds ranging from 400 to 800 MHz and a single core. Mid-range models have CPUs with speeds ranging from 800 MHz to 1.2 GHz and dual cores. On the other hand, high-end models have CPUs with speeds of 1.2 GHz and more, and quad cores.

Q and A

Q1 What is the role of an edge router?

A1 Edge routers provide the first line of defense against security threats by blocking unauthorized access to the network through a firewall. It also prioritizes time-sensitive data like video calls over less critical applications to improve performance and efficiency using quality of service (QoS) features.

Q2 What is the difference between a router and an edge router?

A2 A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. On the other hand, an edge router refers to a router located at the boundary or "edge" of a network.

Q3 What does the edge mean in edge computing?

A3 The term edge refers to the geographic distribution of computing nodes in a network. These nodes are located at the edge of a network, close to the source of data.

Q4 What is meant by the edge of the internet?

A4 The term "edge" refers to network endpoints that are physically as close as possible to the data source. This allows for real-time data processing and minimizes latency.