Most people who subscribe to internet service will need a router in addition to their modem. Many people tend to be unsure of why they need a router, however, as it isn’t always necessary to know its purpose to connect to the internet. If you also admit to not knowing what your router’s purpose is, here’s a brief description of what it is and what it’s designed to do.

Communication Between Devices

The router’s main function is to deliver information between devices. This means that it distributes the Internet connection from your modem to the devices plugged directly into your router, such as a computer, printer, or gaming system. Most modern routers also have the capability to allow multiple devices to be connected via WiFi, making it possible to stream music from your laptop while your kids use their tablets to play games or stream movies.

When You Need a Router

Most households have more than one internet connected device, and modems are not designed to connect multiple devices. A router is beneficial to help connect devices directly, especially bandwidth consuming devices like a computer or gaming system, to a local area network (LAN), which allows shared online access through your internet service provider. By switching on WiFi capabilities either through your own router or one provided by your (ISP) to a wireless local area network (WLAN), you can share your connection to your smartphones and tablets. However, for every device you add to your network, the more bandwidth will be required to sustain the connection or you may experience buffering or speed drops. Want more devices on your network? Take a higher internet speed package.  

Need to connect your home to an internet service? Get in touch with Horizon today. Operating out of Chillicothe, OH, Horizon has been in the telecommunications industry for over 120 years, providing high-speed internet packages, tv services and more. Call (740) 772-8200 for questions, or visit their website for more information about their products and service offerings.