The most common types of routers found in small & medium size offices are SOHO Access Router. Depending on the subscription plan, router requirement may varies.

DSL routers use phone line while other plans may use Ethernet links. There are also difference between DSL plans offered, more commonly being ADSL where the downstream speed (usually in the range of 1.5Mbps to 4Mbps or more) is much higher than the upstream (usually in the range of 256Kbps to 768Kbps).

For hosting of servers within the internal network, customers may choose SDSL plans, which is symmetric speed in both direction of upload & download, instead of ADSL. Dynamic IP addressing scheme in typical PPPOE setup may also not be suitable, unless dynamic DNS updaters are used, as most servers are accessed from external via its public IP address or hostname.

Not all router supports current SDSL standard which is G.SHDSL & it is advisable to check with ISP on router your need to purchase if it is not provided. This is usually CISCO router with SHDSL interface card or any router that has a G.SHDSL WAN Port e.g Huawei AR 18-33E Router.

DSL ADSL routers have built-in modem that authenticates & synchronizes via plain telephone line with a nearby exchange. Other providers may use Ethernet router with their own public or private IP addressing schemes & via cable modem in the case of cable service provider like Starhub.

Routers operate in NAT (Network Address Translation' Route or Transparent Mode.

NAT mode are usually used for dynamic IP plans. Dynamic IP plan provides only one public IP address on WAN side of router (commonly the phone line side) and uses private IP on LAN side of router (The Ethernet interface on the router).

Each time a connected computer sends a request to the Internet, the router translate the private IP address of that computer to its WAN side public IP, keep record of the computer\'s private IP and sends the request out. When it returns, the router restores the private IP address on its record and return the reply to the original computer. Outside traffic not initiated by computers in the LAN behind the NAT router will not be allowed in, thus it offers basic protection against hackers.

Router in Route mode are generally assigned public IP addresses on both side of the LAN and WAN interface. These are normally for static IP plans from ISP whereby they will give you a range of 8 or more public IP addresses on the LAN side of your network.

Thus LAN IPs, referred to by the ISP are actually the public IP addresses you are allocated on the LAN side of your main router. In such scenario, an additional firewall is needed between your network and the Internet to secure your network from being publicly accessible. Servers properly setup can be placed before this additional router to serve web servers, mail servers or other Internet services as required.

SecureIT-NET supplies full range of switches. Brands that we carry includes Dlink, Linksys, 3COM, Huawei, CISCO, Alcatel, LevelOne & other popular brands.

For any services or supply of routers, please contact us via our feedback form.

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